relations problem. this is what the former ambassador to ukraine said. >> i think that's an indication that the kremlin is of little worried that the russian people will not support an invasion, false flags, and these other tactics that they hope will generate this enthusiasm for an invasion. it's just not there. >> here with us tonight, former deputy national security adviser for president obama. his latest book, after the fall, being american in the world we have made. great to have you here tonight, ben. look, at the white house is no longer calling war between russia and ukraine imminent, but when you look at things like, oh let's just make up a story and then maybe we will have it justification for what i want to do here, is it your sense that putin recognizes he may have a weaker hand then he would like?