From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Ukraine's future and Russian politics.

Hello again, I'm Aronalny, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

Despite last

week's plan to de-escalate the crisis, Ukraine and Russia are exchanging accusations over a deadly

shooting. Vice President Biden's arrived in Kiev while the Obama White House decides whether

to escalate economic sanctions. Would they make a difference in the short term? Does Vladimir Putin

want to invade Ukraine or will continue

destabilization suit his purposes? His domestic approval rating is 80% based on nationalism and

conservative values. Are they more important than the economy? Today's talking point, will

history's worst accident on Mount Everest put an end to this year's climbing season? First,

here's the news.

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Hello again. We're on.'ll be back with To the Point.

President Obama's hope of a reset of relations with Russia is a thing of the past as the Ukrainian crisis continues to boil.

His last week's plan to do de-escalate already failing?

Will the White House increase sanctions?

How long can Vladimir Putin ignore threats to Russia's economy?

...