Russia has remained pretty quiet about western sanctions and travel bans and has appeared to busy itself within the turmoil of Ukraine’s eastern provinces. Now this blog detects a more assertive approach emerging. This is not by chance; it follows careful building of a supporting constituency.
Within the last several days we have seen popular votes put Russia second in the Eurovision song contest with the UK, Germany and France all near the bottom; Putin siding with Africa and Asia in defence of Sepp Blatter who was then re-elected, and now a list of people on a travel blacklist who will not be able to enter Russia. This latter move has angered Europeans. The current generation of political leaders has no experience of being on the receiving end of such restrictions.
This blog can only observe that they started the process. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.