Publication

This commentary examines Russian President Putin's policy towards Ukraine, including Moscow's annexation of Crimea, and argues that through his actions, he is not only pursuing Russian interests but also defending his own position in Russian politics. Indeed, the author argues that Putin fears that elements of Ukraine's movement towards a Western-style democracy - demonstrated through its growing ties with the EU and NATO as well as and the Orange Revolution - could spillover into Russia and give Putin’s domestic opposition ideas on how to act.