Putin tries to arrange everything according to his plan and his timing. He tries to gather his friends into a united front. Although China and Iran back him they do not fully agree with his approach. So, he must move ahead slowly. How badly the United States has reacted. Pushing a problem to the edge of the cliff and risking nuclear war over a local issue.
The Woman is active, always shifting the ground so that both sides feel insecure and unable to move ahead. How long can she maintain this stalemate? Really, the problem will change and take in new aspects before the final confrontation.