tall. they say it is magsking a decisn for him. p putin is saying so himself. >> translator: it is important to understand that ukraine has never had consistent tradition of being a true nation. >> for putin, this is personal. and multiple u.s. and western officials tell cnn what putin is doing could be the beginning of a larger potential military operation targeting ukraine. and as thousands and thousands of russian troops are breathing down the neck of ukraine tonight, a senior administration official says diplomacy will be pursued until the tanks roll. second anthony blinken says they recognize those so-called republics as independent requires a swift and firm response and will take appropriate steps in coordination with partners.