[flaminco]

"Putin is doing what now has to be done......to protect any kind of future for Russian citizens."

Please, save the melodramatics. He is doing what has to be done in order to assure his continued grip on power.

[maestro]

........There is no denying the popularity of Putin, even in Russia. Events seem to be playing into his hands. This isn't good news for Russia, but will probably represent a long relatively stable period for Russian foreign relations.

Welcome, 'State'.....

:-)