Putin might be reminding Mr. Abbot that his country still has an extremely powerful military by showing off a little. While I'm sure the Australian armed forces are well trained and worthy on an individual level, they can't compete against a nation with the size and resources of Russia (very few countries can). This seems like one of the smaller kids in school speaking his mind to one of the big kids and the big kid showing off how strong he is to scare him off.

The reality is that the smaller kid in his case has a lot of friends to back him up, some small and some big. The big kid doesn't, so his show is all bluster and no substance. If Russia ever forged a tight alliance with China or Pakistan (nuclear capable countries with large militaries), things would change. Until then, Putin is just blowing smoke.

Abbot mouthed off,with no intention of backing it up with action.

Putin doesn't heed to mouth off.

It is doubtful that Putin spends much time thinking about Australia.

abbot dun goofed

No.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot has kept saying he will approach Russian leader Putin in an accosting manner over the MH17 disaster, which he never did.

There are now some Russian warships heading towards Australia.

Do you think Russia is out to set a war against Australia or they're just trying to intimidate Australia?