Leonid Slutsky, State Duma Deputy: Slutsky is the chairman of the Duma Committee onCommonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots. Slutsky has beenoutspoken in his supportfor Russia’s actions in Crimea. Andrei Klishas, Chairman of the Federation Council Committ...
The election of Vladimir Putin in 1999 is accepted as the “return” of Russia to its “near abroad,” which has become increasingly notable. The tension between Russia and Georgia in August 2008 is but one example that illustrates Moscow's eagerness to maintain an active presence in the ...