I think you're right that this is overly simplistic, but on this side of the world, there is a real lack of reportage from the Russian point of view (surprise, surprise). I was just listening to the news and the reporter was commenting that in diplomatic circles, parallels are being drawn between this and the military intervention in Iraq and the consequences of those actions, so the US definitely has to contend with that as it takes its stance, too.

At the same time, it makes sense for Russia to flex right now, as the US is still very weak economically and has also begun to withdraw troops and to pare down defense spending. Not to mention that the US citizenry are tired of war and a lot of veterans who have returned are highly critical of the motives that sent them overseas to begin with.