Ukraine is the instrument for Russia to test the West's 'red lines'
Autocratic leadership existed in Russia for many centuries, changing only its ideological colors and method of legitimization.
Russia is actively using gas diplomacy for its expansion over the ex-Soviet space in a bid to become a regional superpower.
Most Russian programs and policies had had just the opposite effect of what was intended. The reason is hyper-centralization of power.
Lilia Fyodorovna Shevtsova is a Kremlinology expert.
