An expert in Russian-American relations has explained the changes that have occurred in Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting his breach of fundamental diplomatic rules amid the Ukraine crisis that threatens imminent war. Michael Kimmage, a professor at the Catholic University of America, indicated that Putin's approach has become increasingly aggressive recently, particularly on the diplomatic front.
He stated, "He acts as if he needs immediate answers, which is unusual for diplomacy in general and specifically for Russian diplomacy." In attempting to explain this, the American expert suggests that Putin's behavior may stem from disappointment, feeling that since 1991, Russia has been lectured and dictated to by the West. The eastward expansion of NATO has become a unilateral action by Washington, which believes it has the power and right not just in Western Europe but has reached Russia's doorstep in Ukraine and elsewhere, which is unacceptable to Putin.
Kimmage pointed out that Putin carries what he perceives as Russia's grievances and speaks about them to the West, using this crisis to express these complaints. The immense military power Putin possesses has led him to adopt a more hardline stance in political matters, showing readiness to use it in Ukraine and Georgia. According to the expert, Putin believes that this military power grants him leverage, with its effects varying in Ukraine compared to other regions.
He noted that the Russian president has changed even more as his confidence has grown due to strengthened ties with China, something that did not exist in 2014, which signifies he believes he can resist Western pressures. Kimmage mentioned that Putin's military intervention in Syria in 2015 was successful, leading him to believe he is on the right path in foreign policy.
From Putin's perspective, the West is in decline and is no longer what it used to be, as American policy has recorded a series of failures in Iraq and Afghanistan. The American expert states that the Russian president views Washington as now less committed to European security and divided internally. In Putin's eyes, Europe is weak, lacking organized military strength, and fears military conflict.
In conclusion, the American expert asserts that Putin believes the world has changed in the last decade in favor of Russia and at the expense of the West.
