Docile Washington stands aside as Russia sets up puppet state in Ukraine

National Post ^ | Feb. 19, 2015 | Washington Post, Special to National Post

[old curmudgeon]

So they learned nothing from the 1930’s.

The only difference today is that this time they are on the opposite end of the field.

Putin is running a sequel to Hitler's story.

[Jim Noble]

Putin is running a sequel to Hitler's story

Maybe.

If Hitler had stuck to his "near abroad" (Austria and Bohemia/Moravia/Galicia) the story would have had a different ending. But Hitler was driven by strange pagan and racialist ideas and did not, probably could not, avoid the trap to the East.

Putin (so far) hasn't produced work like Mein Kampf and his aggressive instincts seem to be focussed on his peripheral, former client, states.

It may be true, as you say, that Putin:Russia as Hitler:Germany, but he hasn't revealed a Russian master race theory as of yet.

[old curmudgeon]

But his tactics are the same.

Bring the water to a boil slowly so the lobster knows not his future.

[Jim Noble]

But his tactics are the same

Yes, his tactics are the same and his insight about Western leaders is, as well.

What's at issue are his objectives.