Russia’s attack on Ukrainian military vessels in the Black Sea marks the first display of overt aggression by the Kremlin since President Putin launched a campaign of so-called hybrid warfare against Ukraine over four years ago. The consequences for Moscow are likely to involve more western sanctions — something that Russia’s struggling economy could well do without. Yet the tensions could benefit both Mr Putin and President Poroshenko of Ukraine. Mr Putin’s approval ratings rocketed after Russia’s seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 amid state television reports of a “military junta” taking charge in Kiev. Even some opposition figures rejoiced at the bloodless capture of Crimea by Mr Putin’s…

Source: The Times November 26, 2018 12:10 UTC