MOSCOW, 23 Feb. The National Interest columnist Dov Zakheim spoke about the blunder of the West regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the author, earlier in the United States and Europe, the head of the Russian state was considered a tactician, not a strategist. «How wrong they were,» — the columnist complained. Zackheim recalled that Putin has unprecedentedly strengthened Moscow's position in the Eastern Mediterranean by obtaining a naval base in the Syrian Tartus and an airport in Khmeimim. Russia maintains good relations with both Israel and Egypt, is friends with Greece.
"And now he has strengthened his influence in Europe: he recognized Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the Lugansk and Donetsk people's republics. Belarus also entered the sphere of influence of Moscow. Undoubtedly, the same thing will happen to Ukraine", the journalist reflects.
Americans, according to Zackheim, should not be surprised at the formation of new states across the ocean: Washington also recognized Texas that had broken away from Mexico in 1837. Later, this territory became the 28th US state. According to the observer, Moscow will continue to strengthen its position in Europe. Putin is destined to restore Russia's greatness, the author is convinced. : Igor Tonoyan