A Russian Perspective On Putin's Moves On Crimea And Elsewhere

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'Dear to Our Hearts': The Crimean Crisis from the Kremlin's Perspective -- Matthias Schepp

The EU and US have come down hard on Russia for its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. But from the perspective of the Kremlin, it is the West that has painted Putin into a corner. And the Russian president will do what it takes to free himself.

Last September, Vladimir Putin invited Russia experts from around the world to a conference, held halfway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. At the gathering, the Russian president delivered a passionate address. "We will never forget that Russia's present-day statehood has its roots in Kiev. It was the cradle of the future, greater Russian nation," Putin said. He added that Russians and Ukrainians have a "shared mentality, shared history and a shared culture. In this sense we are one people."

At the time, German and European leaders still believed that it would be possible to bind Ukraine to the European Union by way of an Association Agreement and to free the country from Moscow's clutches. But Putin had long before made the decision to prevent such an eventuality.

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My Comment: As to what is my take .... there are two reasons on why Putin is doing what he is doing .... and why he is strongly supported by Russian opinion polls. The first reason is nationalism .... Russians are feeling very nationalistic right now .... more so than at any time in my life. Like the Chinese they feel that the future belongs to them, and that anything and everything is possible. There are internal political differences (like in China) .... but on the economic and personal level .... many Russians (and Chinese) are now experiencing a better standard of life and are responding positively to it. The other reason is national security and to protect Russian minorities under threat in neighboring states .... this RIA Novosti article sums it up best .... Putin Urges Measures to Protect Russians from Radicals. Russians are not going to desert other Russians to persecution and threats .... something that Ukrainian nationalists have learned in the past two weeks. This may not be smart international politics for Russia .... but Russians (and the Kremlin) do not care. Bottom line .... if they see Russians under threat .... they will respond.