No matter how tight his control over Russia has become, Vladimir Putin cannot alter a basic reality: his ability to carry out his war on Ukraine and his crackdown at home depends on the readiness of Russian troops, police, security officials, and others to follow his orders, note Stephen E. Biegun and David J. Kramer. If they stop doing so, Putin is finished. Washington should be encouraging these actors to rethink their loyalty to a man who treats them as dispensable pawns in pursuit of his dangerous aims.
U.S. policy can make a meaningful difference in precipitating opposition to Putin, especially in Russia’s military and diplomatic corps, they write for Foreign Affairs.
What is President Vladimir Putin’s primary motive, and are U.S. sanctions going to make a difference? David J. Kramer, Managing Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute, addresses your submitted questions on the crisis in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/aQYpn7vTQA
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) March 4, 2022
