Vladimir Putin's Change of Rhetoric Signifies a Change in Attitude Towards the West
After coming to power, Mr. Putin focused on Russia’s national interests, however for quite some time, he preferred not to demonstrate to the outside world that the Russians knew how the Anglo-Saxons viewed Russia and Russians. Mr. Putin’s not saying out loud that he was perfectly aware of the opponent’s attitude towards his country and himself, and his persistent use of the term "partners" were not only a manifestation of goodwill (Russia indeed was not going to start a conflict with anyone). That was also resolve to gain the time necessary to regroup, to recharge, and to assemble the strength needed to restore the country’s defense and its economic power. Today, faced with an attempt to drive Ukraine away from the Russian influence, and being drawn into a geopolitical war, Russians do not have any longer to pretend that they believe in the West’s benevolence towards them. What Vladimir Putin is doing now is calling a spade a spade when he speaks about the polic...