Pretty sensible take, Ed Daniels.

Putin could have waited for Trump to return as president of course. Although Putin is also gettin on in years.

Biden looked weak to Putin. It was really only with his attack on Ukraine that strengthened both Biden and American in Europe and NATO. Remember too, that Biden pulled out of Afghanistan (to the applause of most Americans) which demonstrated a disengagement and an indifference to anything outside the U.S. borders. A big point noted by Putin.

This Ukranian (and Russian) tragedy is far from over and as you say management needs to be even and skillful.

Many thanks.