The latest spike in tensions between Russia and Ukraine over Crimea offers President Vladimir Putin a fresh chance to test the West's commitment to defending Kiev at a time when the U.S. and Europe are divided and distracted by internal squabbling.
But the weekend skirmish that saw Russian naval forces fire on and seize three Ukrainian ships in the narrow channel between the Black and Azov seas could also set back Putin's chances for rapprochement with the U.S. The Kremlin had been hoping his meeting with President Donald Trump at the Group of 20 summit this week in Argentina would lead to concrete steps toward a thaw in relations.
Ukraine gained the early diplomatic advantage despite both sides pointing the finger at each other for orchestrating Sunday's confrontation for political reasons. European capitals came out strongly denouncing the Russian action. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley laid the blame for the escalation on Moscow's "outlaw actions," but said Washington will let its allies take the lead in responding.