> There is blame on both sides

Say what now?

> One thing I understand about Western European culture is that they will never tell you no outright as it is rude to do so.

Generally speaking, no, this is not one thing you understand about W. E. culture.

> One thing I understand about Western European culture is that they will never tell you no outright as it is rude to do so. Any sort of hesitancy is to be construed as a no and unlike America/East Germany or Scandinavian countries tough to get a straight answer most of the time.

This is a ridiculous overgeneralization. If you compare e.g. the Dutch with the Southern U.S., you'll find the Dutch are much more eager to directly tell it how it is.

>> if Russia is kicked off SWIFT, it would be removing any sort of restraint they've displayed so far.

I don't think they care much about that. They have already assumed they would be. There are several other options for them. It most hurts Europe and their investments/payments, as well as our intelligence tracking of high net worth individuals.

> Japan is the worst outright making you question even a solid yes mixed with non-subtle and impossible to read vocal/posture

How can it be both non-subtle and yet impossible to read?