I covered 2008 Russia-Georgia War. First potshots and shelling from separatist region whose residents Putin had given Russian passports, then baseless Kremlin claims of "genocide" and massive invasion by Russian troops who had just finished exercises. Not exactly a new playbook.
The difference will be in how Kyiv reacts. Georgia was led by impetuous leader who struck back believing the US had his back; Ukrainians have few illusions about what happens next if they take Putin's bait.
Even as Ukrainians sensibly show restraint, there's no defense against manufactured crisis. By accusing Kyiv of imminent assault and calling for evacuation of civilians to Russia, Kremlin-backed separatists lay groundwork for images of refugees, "genocide" and calls to action.
Western journalists, including myself, have been denied access to separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine for years. Kremlin controls information flows out of region, so whatever news Putin needs now will be delivered.
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