Tim Harper: Erratic Putin remains a dangerous wild card

One year ago, John Baird marched with anti-government protesters in Kyiv's Maidan Square, a scarf bearing the colours of Ukraine's national football team draped over his shoulders. Providing security for Canada's foreign affairs minister were agents of the government the demonstrators sought to overthrow. The symbolic - and risky - show of solidarity marked the beginning of a year in which Canadian foreign policy was preoccupied by the tragedy and upheaval in Ukraine and the uncertainty in Russia.