we made sure nato was focused on its mission. when we did that, vladimir putin had respect for us, he's a very talented statesman. >> well, let's head to moscow now where cnn's nic robertson is standing by. good to see you. of course, it is impossible to get inside the mind of vladimir putin, to figure out what exactly he plans to do in the end. but what's his likely intent, given what we know so far, and how might the withdrawal of nonessential u.s. embassy staff play into his plans, do you think? >> reporter: well, his stated intent is to draw ukraine back into russia's orbit of influence. that's his stated intent. his stated intent doesn't include invasion, according to his government officials, but he has the military pressure and capability to do it and is growing that pressure and capability by expanding military exercises in belarus, which brings his forces very close to the capital kyiv and, therefore,