what I'm guessing is that Biden has set the US and allied nations up for a conflict and is now responded to Russian seeming borderline aggression and threat of invading Ukraine by announcing the projected sanctions in the hope of scaring Putin.
Putin has taken the under-dog position, despite the apparent preparedness for invasion and their preposterous demands wrt to NATO and Ukraine, virtually challenging US to resist. and of course Biden has taken the bait - how could he not?
I don't know if Biden is gambler, but imo he's certainly taking a gamble with the lives of many thousands of Ukraine residents and various nationals from Eu, UK, Aus, Canada (have they signed up? I don't know) and other nations, such as Japan.
Meanwhile the verbal and economic war with China continues unabated, despite the distraction set up by Russia.
Now when the troops were being pulled out of Afghanistan, there were reports that the Taliban were seeking support from nations and China, Russia and Iraq were each referred to as supporting Taliban. Then last week was a mention (I think it was Tuesday) that Russian, Chinese and Iran forces were planning to war-game.
So the question I'm considering is: will the set-up with Russia start with a border clash which brings many countries to Ukraine's aid, then China swings in behind on one side and Iran troops fly in to bring up the western rear flank catching the international alliance forces in a 3 pronged attack.
so is Biden walking into a trap? Will other nations contribute sufficient forces to survive such an assault?
