[rad_gruchalski]

That’s what really confuses me about this whole situation. I can’t see anything Russia can gain from this move.

But then, there’s this huge lng contract Russia has with China. As long as Europe was the only market for Russia, things were in balance. With China in the equation, things look different.

[vasac]

Russia formally gave up of Minsk II agreement (which no one implemented in the first place but at least was something that could be discussed about). So it's basically this is just another step in the escalation, maybe the last one (making it clear that he is not bluffing), before full invasion starts.