There were Russians on board the ship. Additionally, it's conceivable that the Russians could argue that they were obligated under the CIS Charter to come to Ukraine's aid. That the Ukraine has never ratified the CIS Charter and, consequently, is technically not a member of the CIS would be a confounding factor in that argument.

Someone else had better get there first.

Those may be Russia’s aspirations but its operational capability is somewhat different

If you mean can Russia hit those marks at once, you're quite right. However, as the Grand Canyon shows, great things are not of nessesity accomplished all at once.

To assert or retain status as a world power on a basis other than its nuclear arsenal Russia must retain control of the Black and Caspian Seas and hold on to its eastern territories, which will become increasingly difficult as its population dwindles.

These efforts to downplay Russia's strength are right out of the Obama-Kennedy-Anan-Barney Frank playbook.

As Sarah Palin said so eloquently the other day:

"it's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where-- where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is-- from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to-- to our state."

Luckily we have a tough cookie running with McCain to remind us that we are likely to be invaded in the near future by the Ruskies. This is exactly why we need a spunky Governor who commanded the Alaska National Guard successfully over the past couple of years to keep the country safe.

But it remains unclear what role the vessel might play in the latest hostage crisis there.

One possibility: It sinks the Ukranian ship. The dash around the Horn of Africa reminds me of a discussion I had with a friend when the Argentinians invaded the Falklands. He pointed out that the Brits had to steam almost 8,000 miles to reach to Falklands. He thought this might present a problem for them. I said that 8,000 miles is not such a long way for a modern navy if no one is shooting at you. The logistics would require , if the frigate is conventional, refueling at sea, but God knows, the Russians have enough oil.

Better than they did in the Russo-Japanese War, where they pissed off the Brits & had to go *around* Africa.

A long way to get sunk.