> the powers that be I think the powers that be are the ones who are resisting intervening or even bearing their teeth ~ because in reality, they'd rather just

> the powers that be I think the powers that be are the ones who are resisting intervening or even bearing their teeth ~ because in reality, they'd rather just go back to trading with or at least ignoring Russia. So much so that they'd far sooner appear indecisive and capricious, avoid direct involvement, and have scope to return to the status quo (regardless of the blood being spilled) as quickly as possible, never mind what happens to Ukraine.