Stan--good catch on the history book---did not see that one before.

Dayuhan---I have a number of times stated that Putin moved into the Crimea for two reasons.

1. rebuild the Czarist dream of a greater Russia
2. rebuild the former empire of the Soviet Union

Both being driven by Russian nationalism--cultural and imperialistic.

This comment taken from Stan's quote goes to point 2.

"The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 is not seen as a watershed from which a new history begins, but as an unfortunate and tragic mistake that hindered Russia's progress. “The Soviet Union was not a democracy, but it was an example for millions of people around the world of the best and fairest society."