Online Public Relations Thoughts

Russia is claiming it has pulled back some troops from the Ukrainian border.  NATO says not so and actually Russia has boosted its soldiers by 7,000.  Who is right?  Facts are essential in a time of heightened crisis.  The West is relying on intelligence.  Russia says "trust me."  The US and NATO are painting a bleak picture of Russia's intentions and accusing the country of a disinformation campaign while looking for trumped-up charges to invade.  The only result so far is unity among Ukrainians opposed to Russia.  But, what if the Russians are telling the truth?  The US and NATO will be deeply embarrassed and take a hit in reputation.  There is no way of knowing Vladimir Putin's intentions with the military buildup along the Ukrainian border.  He might be using the show of force to gain negotiating leverage, but no one in the West is certain.  Diplomats are trying their best to forestall a war but it might be too late. Only Putin knows what he will do and he is not talking.