Putin's geopolitical goals

[Reality Check]

Putin is playing from a different play book than the west.

Putin's goals are clear and often stated, but do not agree with Obama and western European world view, so they are ignored.

First, Putin seeks to prevent Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and all other former Soviet republics from integrating with the EU, Nato and any other powers, other than Russia. Ukraine and Moldova are in the process of doing exactly what Putin insists must not happen.

Second, Putin wishes to re-create Russia's dominance over the former republics of the Soviet Union and re-establish Moscow's sovereignty over the former lands of the Russian empire.

Third, to build the military and Geo-political capabilities to achieve the first two goals.