Vladimir Putin is viewed by many in the West as a despicable leader: an autocrat … some say an outright dictator; a Mafioso-style political “don’ who has has overseen the arrest, imprisonment and even the poisoning/murder of his political opponents and critics at home and abroad.
While the former KGB Lieutenant Colonel reportedly has amassed a personal fortune of $70 Billion (US).
Yet he is widely appreciated, admired, and even adored by tens of millions (maybe hundreds of millions) in his homeland, Rossiya (Russia).
Why?
Because as de-facto Prezident since 1999, Putin has used military force to retake and absorb tens of thousands of square miles under Russia’s complete control … while Western “leaders” huffed and puffed, grumbled and grovelled … but in the end did NOTHING to stop him.
IN 2008, Russia sent troops into South Ossetia, Georgia as “peacekeepers’ to “protect” separatist ethnic Russians living there. They’ve never left.
Putin’s puppet Russian leader at the time, Dimitry Medvedev stated: “In accordance with the Constitution and the federal laws, as President of the Russian Federation it is my duty to protect the lives and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they may be.”
Sound familiar today?
The move added 1,500 square miles to Russia’s empire.
Western nations did little or nothing … thus, encouraging Putin’s aggression.
So, in 2014 Russia sent its troops, tanks and artillery into the Ukrainian Crimea in 2014 … to “protect” local ethnic Russians … seizing and absorbing the entire area … and key ports on the Black Sea … into Russia.
Minor economic sanctions were a very small price to pay for adding another 10,425 square miles to the territory of Russia.
Bringing VICTORY and GLORY to Rossiya … thanks to Putin!
He stopped short in 2014 from also seizing Eastern Ukraine’s Donbas and Donetsk region … where there are also lots of ethnic Russians … but seeing such a weak response back then by European/NATO nations, Putin is clearly eyeing that area now.
His ULTIMATE goal is not seizure of all Ukraine… but the Eastern region, if he feels he can get away with it.
And Western nations are sending very clear messages that if he does move in, they will NOT use military force to stop him … or help Ukraine defend itself.
Another 10,238 square miles in the Donbas would be added to Rossiya!
But at what cost?
THAT is what Putin is now considering: would the move be worth it? Like Ossetia? The Crimea?
Putin believes another annexation would make his mark in history … adding territory, new population and resource riches forever to Mother Russia.
Economic sanctions? For how long … six months, a year, two years?
Putin knows the West will eventually want Russia’s natural gas, Russia’s trade, Russia’s business/finances/loan lucrative funding requests. Any sanctions will be only temporary.
And that’s why Putin can beat the West.
Western governments see international relations these days primarily as “business” relations; globalized corporate interests, investments and returns … more important than independent nations pursuing localized goals and growth.
Putin has watched and learned as our leaders have delivered great words condemning aggression, human rights abuses by dictators leading aggressive nations… but then line up to cash in.
Ask China.
Putin sees Russia’s expansion and growth as something greater … a matter of nation-building … restoring influence and pride.
And unlike our leaders at this time, Putin IS quite willing to sacrifice soldiers’ lives, civilians and cause great destruction to achieve his goals.
Believing that 10 years from now, even a hundred, Russians will look back at all his land grabs as Great Victories, expanding the size, influence and importance of Mother Rossiya in the world for generations.
While any sanctions will long ago have been removed and forgotten.
Harv Oberfeld