"In view of the historical destiny of Russia and its peoples, the Leninist principles of state-building were not only a mistake, but far worse than a mistake. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991 this became absolutely obvious.Of course, the events of the past cannot be changed, but we must at least speak about them directly and honestly, without reservations and without political coloration. I can only add that the considerations of the current political conjuncture, however spectacular and advantageous they may seem at a given moment, should not or cannot under any circumstances form the basis for the fundamental principles of statehood.
This is neither the time nor the place to discuss issues of state or constitutional law and to define the concept of citizenship. Nevertheless, the question arises: why did the country have to be shaken even further under these already difficult circumstances?"
I mean, Putin is saying out loud, 'You have no 'state', you have no 'citizenship' -- other than what I grant you -- so, I'm going to Kiev'.
Just activate the sleeper in his inner circle and be done with it.
I completely agree with Putin and, as a former CIA officer, who worked overseas and directly opposed communist Russia, I think the West’s approach to post Soviet Russia borders on lunacy.
Russia should be one of our top allies at this point in time.
Most of our points of conflict would disappear if we would quit pissing on them.