Publication

In light of Russia's annexation of Crimea and intervention in Eastern Ukraine, this paper discusses the extent to which Russian President Vladimir Putin is swayed by domestic public opinion when formulating foreign policy. The author points out that although Putin has thus far secured the Russian people's overwhelming support for his foreign policy, polls suggest that the public is increasingly hostile to ‘foreign adventures’. The author then examines the extent to which this development is likely to factor in any plans Putin may have for further interventions in Ukraine.