Vladimir Putin keeps all options open in Ukraine

TO THOSE WATCHING Russia’s long build-up of military forces around Ukraine, this week looked like the moment when they would be let slip to attack Ukraine. Some American officials predicted the moment of President Vladimir Putin’s invasion: before dawn on February 16th. But in recent days, the political signals from his underlings have suggested a desire to pull back from the brink—or at least that he is indecisive. So will it be war, or negotiations? Mr Putin still has the world guessing.On the morning of February 15th Russia’s defence ministry announced it would be pulling back some troops from the Ukrainian border. This followed comments by Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, who said there was still scope for negotiations with the West, particularly over arms control. That appeared to mark the start of the “de-escalation” that Western countries have long demanded. Perhaps, some hoped, after being faced with the united resolve of NATO allies and partners to impose “massive” economic costs on Russia if it invaded.