EXCLUSIVE
Alexander J. Motyl: Time for Ukraine to take the initiative
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, on March 23.
Vladimir Putin’s maneuverings with the West and Ukraine are often compared to a game of chess. The comparison is spot on, with one qualification. Contrary to the image of grandmaster he prefers, the Russian president more closely resembles a loudmouthed barroom player who slams pieces against the board.
