[mendort]

The Russians just need a little Lebensraum. The West has continued its policy of containment even after the fall of the Soviet Union. This can be seen in the aggressive expansion of the EU and of NATO. It is necessary that Russia have scope to influence its neighbors and build partnerships in order for it to be a free and prosperous nation.

[adamnemecek]

I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or not. I'm guessing yes but the only thing that gave it aways was the use of the word Lebensraum.

[lotsofmangos]

Here's to hoping that history is only rhyming.

I do get the feeling that Putin is a bit smarter and a bit less insane, but I would be hesitant to bet on it. The apparent concentration of power in one individual makes Russia scary as hell at the same time as being very brittle.