“Putin described Kiev is the mother of Russian cities. These - the Russian people view Ukraine as an extension of Russia. And so there is a sense that Putin really will do whatever it takes, even in the face of overwhelming, diplomatic, and economic pressure to defend what he sees as Russia's vital interest. And I think when we're trying to understand what's going on in Ukraine we have to keep that in mind. This isn't a simple case of Putin agitating for a fight.” PeopleThinkingTryingMindMotherFightingInterestSimpleEconomicOverwhelmingDiplomaticWhatever It Takes Author:Clarissa Ward
“The economic sanctions are absolutely going to hurt Russia's economy. They're hurting some of his key inner sanctum. But they are not affecting his political standing. And it's hard to see how they would do so at least, in the short term.” PoliticalTermHurtEconomyEconomicShort Term Author:Clarissa Ward
