Nemtsov report claims hundreds of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine

[DetlefK]

10. First: As if Russia and China don't have similar strategies. Second: ...

The problem isn't that "Russia hasn't been put in its place" or something like that. The problems is that Russia demands special treatment from other countries, and especially former members of the soviet Union, without having the diplomatic or political or economic influence that would lead to this kind of special treatment in the first place.
What can Russia offer? What? The ONLY reason why Russia is still considered a global power are its nuclear weapons. It wields no significant cultural, economic or diplomatic influence. (Unless you count being best buddies with Assad...)

Russia thinks that the independence of formerly soviet nations is temporary until they come to their senses and decide to rejoin some kind of russian empire. That's why Russia was so pissed when Ukraine negotiated about entering NATO and EU: In the eyes of Russia, Ukraine is property of Russia. And you don't mess with someone else's property.





"Come back to me, honey! I love you! You know I do! I am so sorry I punched you! I won't do it again! We are meant to be together!"