Looking like Russia is going to recognize Luhansk and Donetsk as independent. It has already been recommended by the Russian Secretary of State equivalent. Putin to give a national address momentarily.
Worst case for Brandon is Ukraine and and/or separate provinces willingly wanting to be under Russian influence. Russia would just move their troops to the new borders. No invasion.
A lot of the Brandon crew bullshit may be to keep the Iran deal off the front pages. That will be a complete fold, IMO, and it needs hiding. Essentially, powers may be using Ukraine to take scrutiny off a Syrian build up. I don't think Brandon can go hard ball with Ukraine or Iran because they have some big chips they could call in if need be. Brandon also has to pay off Germany some how for not opening NS II, because he's folding to Ukraine who doesn't want it. Russia could cut off the Ukraine loop if need be when NSII is flowing. My take, anyway.