Russia's Latest Land Grab.

INTERNATIONAL relations, 2005-2015; INTERNATIONAL relations forecasting; RUSSIA-Ukraine Conflict, 2014-; UKRAINIAN foreign relations, 1991-; GEOPOLITICS; PUTIN, Vladimir Vladimirovich, 1952-; RUSSIAN foreign relations, 1991-; INTERNATIONAL relations

FORMER Soviet republics; RUSSIAReport Available

The author offers opinions on Russia's intervention in Ukraine and occupation of the Crimea in 2014. The intervention is said to represent an escalation by President Vladimir Putin of Russia's strategy since the 1990s of supporting or contributing to separatist movements in neighboring countries which were once part of the Soviet Union such as Moldova, Georgia and Azerbaijan. It is stated that this strategy has resulted in those countries being more hostile to Russia and seeking closer ties with the U.S. and European Union. Given the more extreme nature of the intervention in Ukraine, it is argued Ukraine will have an event stronger aversion to Russia and desire for alliances with Western countries.