Adrian Karatnycky and Alexander J. Motyl: Putin tries to change the subject By Alexander J. Motyl, Adrian Karatnycky. Published Oct. 9, 2015 at 7:27 pm A visitor stands next to an artwork depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin as Buddha during the \"Putin Universe\" exhibition in Moscow on Oct. 6, 2015. Photo by AFP The West shouldn't mistake Russia's warring in Syria as a sign of strength. Read more here