Russia: Power Play

After the civil conflict in Ukraine and a referendum that took place in the Crimean Peninsula, western nations are more divided on a proper response than ever before. Putin’s critics say the former KGB officer has fundamental problems with democracy, but his Russian support base loves him for making Russia more stable and respected on the international stage. But is Vladimir Putin obsessed with the belief that he has a historic mission? After Russia’s illegal intervention in the Crimean Peninsula, the US and the EU have imposed sanctions, and have issued travel restrictions and barred bank accounts for some of the President’s closest advisors.