Putin, the USA, and BNP Paribas Settlement

Old Vlad the Mad made some great comments this week, relative to the BNP settlement with the US Dept. of Justice.  He claimed the US was trying to force France into reneging on the sale of the 2 new naval vessels to Russia.  These two ships, amphibious craft capable of delivering men and equipment on any accessible shore, would expand Russia's reach in the Med, the Black Sea, and nearby locations(Levant).
      By insisting that France/BNP pay up, perhaps the French would give up the ship transfer.  Well, the bank paid, and the ships are still going to Russia.  Obviously, the Pentagon gave the go ahead, figuring the Russians don't have a clue about amphibious warfare anyhow.  It's a concept whose time has passed.
    But Vlad, being mad, he likes to hear his comments and keep his name out there.  He is trying to deflect scrutiny for his Crimean Adventures of Summer,2014.  Russians like summers: no snow and they can move around, maybe go to the beach and take their tops off.  Sochi? Odessa? Sevastopol?
Mean while, back in Ukraine

Petro Poroshenko has unleashed his troops.  These Kiev fighters are learning the ropes of active combat.  After a few weeks of ojt(on the job training), they'll be a much worthier opponent of the rabble of eastern Ukraine, those makeshift wannabes who depend on Vlad the Mad for support.  Many would be Russians have left Ukraine for Russia, hoping to be met with open arms, lots of rubles, housing and school for little Rasputin.
   You gotta love how Russians think.