Ever since his aggressive annexation of Crimea began in March 2014, Russian president Vladimir Putin has tried to defend his actions as simple unification.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Christina Sterbenz: Putin keeps saying Ukrainians and Russians are the same; here’s the main reason why they’re not
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Matteo Renzi following their meeting and a visit at the Expo Milano 2015, the universal exhibition, on June 10, 2015 in Milan.
