Steven Pifer

Ukraine’s government structure has always been overly centralized in Kiev. The president, for example, appoints provincial governors. Some diffusion of power from Kiev to provincial capitals to deal with regional issues would likely promote more efficient, effective, and accountable governance. But we should be leery of the Russian position. Moscow does not care about more efficient governance; it wants to create opportunities to meddle in Ukraine's internal politics.

These steps by themselves likely will not change Mr. Putin's course, but he has to take account that both U.S. and EU officials say more sanctions are on offer, perhaps including broader financial measures against Russia.