On Putin and Ukraine

Putin on the Couch by Susan Glasser
While the West Watches Crimea, Putin Cleans House in Moscow by Julia Ioffe
Putin Moves Against the Press by David Remnick
The Pathetic Lives of Putin’s American Dupes by Jonathan Chait
How The Truth Is Made At Russia Today by Rosie Gray

Michael McFaul: I am very depressed today. For those of us, Russians and Americans alike, who have believed in the possibility of a strong, prosperous, democratic Russia fully integrated into the international system and as a close partner of the U.S., Putin's recent decisions represent a giant step backwards. Tragically, we are entering a new period with some important differences, but many similarities to the Cold War. The ideological struggle between autocracy and democracy is resurgent. Protection of European countries from Russian aggression is paramount again. Shoring up vulnerable states , including first and foremost Ukraine, must become a top priority again for the US and Europe. And doing business with Russian companies will once again become politicized. Most tragically, in seeking to isolate the Russian regime, many Russians with no connection to the government will also suffer the effects of isolation. My only hope is that this dark period will not last as long as the last Cold War.