My previous article explored the motivations and strategic priorities – geographic, economic, political and historic – that are driving Russian actions in Crimea. The need to keep Ukraine politically neutralized; the importance of Crimea and Sevastopol as a base for the Black Sea Fleet; the economic importance of the oil and gas pipelines through Ukraine […]
I was in the process of writing an article on EuroMaidan and the challenges facing the new Ukrainian government, when Mr. Putin decided to nip it in the bud by invading Crimea. I’m keeping the title, however, because it is more appropriate than ever. The first part deals with understanding Russia’s motivations and strategic goals […]