Vladimir Putin has repeatedly made clear that he misses many Communist-era hallmarks. Domestically, he thrives on centralizing authority in his own hands, systematically restoring both the Kremlin’s political and economic power. Putin might not still be a Communist in Marxist theory terms but he is a Soviet-era leader, intolerant of political opposition and sustained dissent and determined to keep the economy in hands loyal to the Russian state.
John Bolton: American policy is pushing Ukraine into Vladimir Putin’s sphere
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (left) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
The increasing political conflict between pro-Russian and pro-Western elements in Ukraine finally is awakening the Obama administration's top levels. Until last weekend, when Secretary of State John Kerry met in Munich with Ukrainian opposition leaders, the White House seemed unable even to mention Ukraine, let alone develop a coherent strategy to block Russia's transparent effort to bring the country back under its hegemony. Whether America and the West are waking up too late now is the central question.
