I thought the move was pretty smart. He played the information hand really well. Telling the world he knew what the Russians would do put them in a tough spot. If they invaded then Biden understood them them. If they didn’t invade (the way a child defies an adult for the sake of defying the adult) then Biden won because Ukraine wasn’t invaded.
I think the shock of the West that is talked about in the article is reflected in the amazing rapidity and scale of the sanctions being imposed and by whom (Switzerland!) they are being imposed, the shock/wake up call causing the ramping up of the Western militaries after decades upon decades of slumber, the huge supply of military equipment streaming into Ukraine etc. Frankly, it is fascinating that EU could and did respond this quickly (and drag Biden after it). That was, for me, completely unexpected. I just hope that they hold the line instead of wimping out later. Putin has to go. Troops have to be withdrawn, apologies need to be rendered and reparations paid. No easing of anything until that happens.
I read an interesting alternative viewpoint to the barrage of "Putin is losing the war" media we are bombarded with. While that's quite possibly the case and most wish it to be the case, this alternative view is worth noting and goes like this: Putin set out 3 goals going into this war and has so far succeeded in 2 of the 3. 1. Recognition and control of the 2 breakaway regions 2. Total control of Crimea (water access, road access) 3. Not yet achieved, recognition by Ukraine and the international community of Russia's annexation of Crimea and recognition of the breakaway regions into independent Republics. End of the war, a return of the Russians to their military barracks and a durable peace in exchange.