KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia -- An annual event that brings together Russian officials and foreign experts opened Oct. 22, revealing strongly divergent views over the reality of the crisis in Ukraine and exposing what appears to be President Vladimir Putin's ever-tightening grip on his country.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he speaks during a press conference after the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on Oct. 17, 2014 in Milan.
