themoscowtimes--2020-11-16--5 Things You Need to Know About Moldova’s Presidential Elections

Moldova held its presidential election Sunday in a vote that could push the ex-Soviet eastern European nation further away from Moscow ’ s orbit .
Here ’ s all you need to know : Where is Moldova and why is it important ?
Wedged between Ukraine and Romania , Moldova is one of Europe ’ s smallest and poorest countries .
With a population of almost 4 million split between a Romanian-speaking majority and a Russian-speaking minority , Moldovan politics is traditionally divided between supporters of greater alignment with the EU and those who advocate closer ties with Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fought on issues around Covid-19 , corruption and the economy , overseas the vote was seen as having major geopolitical significance for both Russia and the West .
What happened over the weekend ?
Though pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon had been the favorite to win this year ’ s presidential election , pro-Western former prime minister Maia Sandu won an unexpectedly comfortable victory , taking 58 % of the vote on the back of overwhelming support from the 1 million or more Moldovan emigres in Europe and Russia .
While Dodon had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian-backed breakaway region of Transnistria , his strength there wasn ’ t enough to win him a second term .
As in many former Soviet republics , Russia plays an active role in Moldova ’ s politics , supporting candidates seen as pro-Russian in orientation .
Dodon ’ s 2016 victory was welcomed in Moscow as a sign of Moldova returning to Russia ’ s fold .
This time , Russian President Vladimir Putin explicitly endorsed outgoing president Dodon at a September meeting in Moscow , with Russian political strategists reportedly sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Putin was nonetheless quick to congratulate Sandu on her victory Monday after Dodon conceded .
Who is the new president ?
A center-right , pro-European veteran of Moldovan politics , Maia Sandu lost the 2016 presidential election to the pro-Russian Dodon .
She served briefly as prime minister after a 2019 constitutional crisis , after teaming up with Dodon ’ s Socialist Party to oust supporters of Vladimir Plahotniuc , a fugitive businessman currently in exile in Turkey , from government .
Though the Moldovan president must share power with the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is an influential player in the country ’ s politics , with a great deal of symbolism attached to the position .
Sandu will be the first woman ever to hold the job .
What do experts think will happen next ?
Though experts had predicted post-election protests after a tense campaign , Sandu ’ s unexpectedly large victory may have prevented that .
However , without a majority in parliament , Sandu ’ s ability to push through her agenda will be limited for now , analysts told The Moscow Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MPs do now , ” says Bob Deen , coordinator of the Russia and Eastern Europe Centre at the Clingendael Institute , a Dutch think tank .
“ The majority in parliament is fluid , and beholden to special interest groups .
The president can do a lot from the pulpit , but it will be an uneasy period in Moldova until the next parliamentary elections .
”

Moldova held its presidential election Sunday in a vote that could push the ex-Soviet eastern European nation further away from Moscow’s orbit. Here’s all you need to know:
Where is Moldova and why is it important?
Wedged between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is one of Europe’s smallest and poorest countries. With a population of almost 4 million split between a Romanian-speaking majority and a Russian-speaking minority, Moldovan politics is traditionally divided between supporters of greater alignment with the EU and those who advocate closer ties with Russia. Though domestically the election campaign was primarily fought on issues around Covid-19, corruption and the economy, overseas the vote was seen as having major geopolitical significance for both Russia and the West.
What happened over the weekend?
Though pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon had been the favorite to win this year’s presidential election, pro-Western former prime minister Maia Sandu won an unexpectedly comfortable victory, taking 58% of the vote on the back of overwhelming support from the 1 million or more Moldovan emigres in Europe and Russia. While Dodon had been expected to do well among voters in the Russian-backed breakaway region of Transnistria, his strength there wasn’t enough to win him a second term.
How is Russia involved?
As in many former Soviet republics, Russia plays an active role in Moldova’s politics, supporting candidates seen as pro-Russian in orientation. Dodon’s 2016 victory was welcomed in Moscow as a sign of Moldova returning to Russia’s fold. This time, Russian President Vladimir Putin explicitly endorsed outgoing president Dodon at a September meeting in Moscow, with Russian political strategists reportedly sent to Moldova to assist the Dodon campaign. Putin was nonetheless quick to congratulate Sandu on her victory Monday after Dodon conceded.
Who is the new president?
A center-right, pro-European veteran of Moldovan politics, Maia Sandu lost the 2016 presidential election to the pro-Russian Dodon. She served briefly as prime minister after a 2019 constitutional crisis, after teaming up with Dodon’s Socialist Party to oust supporters of Vladimir Plahotniuc, a fugitive businessman currently in exile in Turkey, from government.
Though the Moldovan president must share power with the prime minister — a Dodon appointee — the president is an influential player in the country’s politics, with a great deal of symbolism attached to the position. Sandu will be the first woman ever to hold the job.
What do experts think will happen next?
Though experts had predicted post-election protests after a tense campaign, Sandu’s unexpectedly large victory may have prevented that. However, without a majority in parliament, Sandu’s ability to push through her agenda will be limited for now, analysts told The Moscow Times.
“The interesting thing is what the MPs do now,” says Bob Deen, coordinator of the Russia and Eastern Europe Centre at the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think tank.
“The majority in parliament is fluid, and beholden to special interest groups. The president can do a lot from the pulpit, but it will be an uneasy period in Moldova until the next parliamentary elections.”


themoscowtimes--2020-11-16--As Russia Eases Its Border Restrictions, Who Is Able to Enter?

On Aug. 1 , Russia resumed direct flights to Tanzania , Turkey , and the U.K. Nearly four months later , regular international flights connect Russia with more than 15 countries , including recently re-instated air links with Ethiopia and Seychelles .
Russia has gradually moved to re-open its borders after grounding nearly all international flights this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Countries whose citizens are currently allowed to enter Russia — and vice versa .
Though Russia ’ s daily coronavirus case numbers continue to rise , the government has given no indication that it plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the spring .
President Vladimir Putin also assured the public that the government has no plans for reverting to strict nationwide lockdown during the second wave .
Despite this , most foreigners are still not able to enter Russia , while foreign travel options for Russians also remain scarce .
Here ’ s a closer look at Russia ’ s entry and exit rules : Nationals and residency holders of countries with which Russia has resumed direct air traffic are allowed to enter Russia , given they have a valid visa or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia directly from the respective country of their citizenship or residency .
Currently , this rule includes the following countries : Belarus , Cuba , Egypt , Ethiopia , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , the Maldives , Serbia , Seychelles , South Korea , Switzerland , Tanzania , Turkey , the UAE , Britain and Japan .
The following categories of foreign citizens can also travel to Russia , according to the Foreign Ministry : • None Immediate family members , spouses and legal guardians of Russian nationals , provided that they have documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a critically ill or deceased person , provided that they have documents confirming their relations , • None Foreigners working in professions that fall under the “ highly qualified specialists ” category , • None Diplomats , members of intergovernmental commissions , committees or special delegations , as well as their family members , • None Holders of private visas issued by the Foreign Ministry .
What documents do I need ?
• None Foreign travelers must present English or Russian-language proof that they have tested negative for the coronavirus less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • None Russian nationals are required to complete an entry form on the gosuslugi.ru portal and then upload their PCR test results within 72 hours of arrival in Russia .
Travelers are required to self-isolate until a negative test result is received .
• None All incoming passengers must present a completed health declaration form , which is most commonly provided by flight attendants onboard an aircraft .
Which countries can Russians travel to ?
Most countries that have agreed to resume direct air travel with Russia have done so on a reciprocal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to travel there , given they comply with existing quarantine and visa regulations .
The rule does not apply to Japan and Switzerland , which permit entry only to certain types of visa holders and residents .
Similarly , Russian tourists will not be able to enter Cyprus despite the planned reopening of direct air links from Nov. 22 .
Those who don ’ t mind layovers or are simply eager to embark on a multi-country trip after months in Russia have a much more comprehensive selection .
Countries that currently allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Croatia , the Dominican Republic , Morocco and Mexico .
Quarantine and test requirements vary by destination .
Some governments even require tourists to spend a certain amount of time in a designated low-risk country before arrival , while others allow them to enter only as part of a pre-arranged tour .

On Aug. 1, Russia resumed direct flights to Tanzania, Turkey, and the U.K. Nearly four months later, regular international flights connect Russia with more than 15 countries, including recently re-instated air links with Ethiopia and Seychelles.
Russia has gradually moved to re-open its borders after grounding nearly all international flights this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Countries whose citizens are currently allowed to enter Russia — and vice versa.
Though Russia’s daily coronavirus case numbers continue to rise, the government has given no indication that it plans to close its borders again like it did in the spring. President Vladimir Putin also assured the public that the government has no plans for reverting to strict nationwide lockdown during the second wave.
Despite this, most foreigners are still not able to enter Russia, while foreign travel options for Russians also remain scarce.
Here’s a closer look at Russia’s entry and exit rules:
Who can visit Russia?
Nationals and residency holders of countries with which Russia has resumed direct air traffic are allowed to enter Russia, given they have a valid visa or other required travel documents and arrive in Russia directly from the respective country of their citizenship or residency.
Currently, this rule includes the following countries: Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, Serbia, Seychelles, South Korea, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, the UAE, Britain and Japan.
The following categories of foreign citizens can also travel to Russia, according to the Foreign Ministry:
Russian permanent residency holders,
Immediate family members, spouses and legal guardians of Russian nationals, provided that they have documents confirming their relations,
Relatives of a critically ill or deceased person, provided that they have documents confirming their relations,
Foreigners seeking medical treatment,
Foreigners working in professions that fall under the “highly qualified specialists” category,
Diplomats, members of intergovernmental commissions, committees or special delegations, as well as their family members,
Holders of private visas issued by the Foreign Ministry.
What documents do I need?
Foreign travelers must present English or Russian-language proof that they have tested negative for the coronavirus less than 72 hours before arriving in Russia.
Russian nationals are required to complete an entry form on the gosuslugi.ru portal and then upload their PCR test results within 72 hours of arrival in Russia. Travelers are required to self-isolate until a negative test result is received.
All incoming passengers must present a completed health declaration form, which is most commonly provided by flight attendants onboard an aircraft.
Which countries can Russians travel to?
Most countries that have agreed to resume direct air travel with Russia have done so on a reciprocal basis, meaning most Russians are also allowed to travel there, given they comply with existing quarantine and visa regulations. The rule does not apply to Japan and Switzerland, which permit entry only to certain types of visa holders and residents.
Despite the reopening of some direct flights to Cyprus, Greece and Iran, Russian tourists are not yet permitted to enter these countries.
Those who don’t mind layovers or are simply eager to embark on a multi-country trip after months in Russia have a much more comprehensive selection.
Countries that currently allow Russians to enter include Albania, Bahrain, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Morocco and Mexico. Quarantine and test requirements vary by destination. Some governments even require tourists to spend a certain amount of time in a designated low-risk country before arrival, while others allow them to enter only as part of a pre-arranged tour.


themoscowtimes--2020-11-16--Russia Finds No Criminal Influence on Journalist’s Self-Immolation Death – Kommersant

Slavina , the editor-in-chief of the independent KozaPress news outlet , set herself on fire outside the Nizhny Novgorod police headquarters on Oct. 2 the day after security forces raided her home in search of evidence of her ties to the opposition .
The Russian Journalists ’ and Media Workers ’ Union ( JMWU ) urged the authorities to open a criminal case into driving an individual to suicide , saying the raids proved that Slavina was a victim of persecution .
Russian investigators do not believe that independent journalist Irina Slavina was driven to suicide by external factors that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business daily reported Monday .
Regional investigators said the security forces had “ acted properly ” during the raid on Slavina 's home , Kommersant cited the lawyer of her family , Alexander Karavayev , as saying .
The investigators declined to open a criminal case because “ no objective data was found ” to suggest otherwise , the outlet said .
They also reportedly suggested that Slavina suffered from a mixed personality disorder , citing among other things her “ lack of close friends , mood swings , selfishness , and ironic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to open a criminal case into driving Slavina to suicide was reportedly made as early as Nov. 2 but investigators did not share the news with her family until last Friday .
Karavayev said the Nizhny Novgorod region branch of Russia ’ s Investigative Committee is continuing its inquiry into Slavina ’ s death .
He pointed out , however , that it is the same body that carried out the Oct. 1 raids at Slavina ’ s home .
“ The same investigator is also ascertaining whether he or his subordinates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Slavina , ” Karavayev said .
“ That ’ s why the family insists on sending the materials to the Investigative Committee ’ s central office , ” the lawyer was quoted as saying .
An hour before her self-immolation , Slavina wrote on her Facebook page to “ blame the Russian Federation ” for her death .

Slavina, the editor-in-chief of the independent KozaPress news outlet, set herself on fire outside the Nizhny Novgorod police headquarters on Oct. 2 the day after security forces raided her home in search of evidence of her ties to the opposition. The Russian Journalists’ and Media Workers’ Union (JMWU) urged the authorities to open a criminal case into driving an individual to suicide, saying the raids proved that Slavina was a victim of persecution.
Russian investigators do not believe that independent journalist Irina Slavina was driven to suicide by external factors that could carry criminal punishment, the Kommersant business daily reported Monday.
Regional investigators said the security forces had “acted properly” during the raid on Slavina's home, Kommersant cited the lawyer of her family, Alexander Karavayev, as saying.
The investigators declined to open a criminal case because “no objective data was found” to suggest otherwise, the outlet said. They also reportedly suggested that Slavina suffered from a mixed personality disorder, citing among other things her “lack of close friends, mood swings, selfishness, and ironic” social media posts.
The decision not to open a criminal case into driving Slavina to suicide was reportedly made as early as Nov. 2 but investigators did not share the news with her family until last Friday.
Karavayev said the Nizhny Novgorod region branch of Russia’s Investigative Committee is continuing its inquiry into Slavina’s death. He pointed out, however, that it is the same body that carried out the Oct. 1 raids at Slavina’s home.
“The same investigator is also ascertaining whether he or his subordinates violated any legal norms in relation to Slavina,” Karavayev said.
“That’s why the family insists on sending the materials to the Investigative Committee’s central office,” the lawyer was quoted as saying.
An hour before her self-immolation, Slavina wrote on her Facebook page to “blame the Russian Federation” for her death.


themoscowtimes--2020-11-16--First Russian Region Returns to Full Lockdown as Coronavirus Surges

“ We need to separate people as much as possible , to relieve the healthcare and testing systems , ” Buryatia governor Alexei Tsydenov told reporters , according to the Znak.com news website .
The eastern Siberian republic of Buryatia has become the first Russian region to impose a second coronavirus lockdown , shutting down restaurants , malls and other places of mass gathering for two weeks starting Monday .
The region ’ s coronavirus task force has ordered cafes , bars and restaurants to only offer takeout and delivery services from Nov. 16-30 .
Cinemas , beauty salons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saunas will also be closed for visitors during the same period .
Pharmacies and grocery stores will remain open during the lockdown .
Tsydenov said the authorities in the region some 5,500 kilometers east of Moscow do not plan to extend the restrictions beyond two weeks , which is the incubation period of Covid-19 .
“ Otherwise , the economic repercussions will be severe , ” he said .
Buryatia is in the second-highest quartile of Covid-19 infections in Russia with 14,838 cases and 273 deaths .
It is among the far-flung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital bed , staff and drug shortages in recent weeks amid record-breaking infection and death rates .
Russia has confirmed 1.9 million coronavirus infections and 33,000 deaths as of Sunday .
Federal authorities have so far resisted returning to a nationwide lockdown and have imposed targeted measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 .
In Moscow , the epicenter of Russia ’ s Covid-19 outbreak , the mayor ordered restaurants to shut down after 11 p.m. and called off Christmas and New Year ’ s events to curb the spread of the disease @

“We need to separate people as much as possible, to relieve the healthcare and testing systems,” Buryatia governor Alexei Tsydenov told reporters, according to the Znak.com news website.
The eastern Siberian republic of Buryatia has become the first Russian region to impose a second coronavirus lockdown , shutting down restaurants, malls and other places of mass gathering for two weeks starting Monday.
The region’s coronavirus task force has ordered cafes, bars and restaurants to only offer takeout and delivery services from Nov. 16-30. Cinemas, beauty salons and shopping malls as well as public baths and saunas will also be closed for visitors during the same period.
Pharmacies and grocery stores will remain open during the lockdown.
Tsydenov said the authorities in the region some 5,500 kilometers east of Moscow do not plan to extend the restrictions beyond two weeks, which is the incubation period of Covid-19.
“Otherwise, the economic repercussions will be severe,” he said.
Buryatia is in the second-highest quartile of Covid-19 infections in Russia with 14,838 cases and 273 deaths. It is among the far-flung regions outside Moscow to have experienced severe hospital bed, staff and drug shortages in recent weeks amid record-breaking infection and death rates.
Russia has confirmed 1.9 million coronavirus infections and 33,000 deaths as of Sunday.
Federal authorities have so far resisted returning to a nationwide lockdown and have imposed targeted measures to slow the spread of Covid-19.
In Moscow, the epicenter of Russia’s Covid-19 outbreak, the mayor ordered restaurants to shut down after 11 p.m. and called off Christmas and New Year’s events to curb the spread of the disease.


themoscowtimes--2020-11-16--News From Russia: What You Missed Over the Weekend

Pro-European challenger Maia Sandu has won the second round of Moldova 's presidential election and is well ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ 57 % to 44 % ) with almost all ballots counted , according to the @ @ @ @ @ tiny ex-Soviet nation is under the watchful eye of Russia , which wants polarized Moldova @ @ @ @ @ of influence at a time when several Kremlin-aligned governments are rocked by political unrest .
@ @ @ @ @ of the capital Minsk on Sunday in a fresh demonstration against strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ recent death of an opposition activist .
Armed and masked police dispersed protesters with tear @ @ @ @ @ deployed water cannon , local media reported , shortly after the latest march began against @ @ @ @ @ leader .
Belarusian rights group Viasna said at least 1,127 people were detained , including @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh set their homes on fire before fleeing to Armenia ahead of a weekend deadline @ @ @ @ @ territory handed over to Azerbaijan as part of a Russian-brokered peace deal .

First call
Pro-European challenger Maia Sandu has won the second round of Moldova's presidential election and is well ahead of the pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon (57% to 44%) with almost all ballots counted, according to the central election commission.
The tiny ex-Soviet nation is under the watchful eye of Russia, which wants polarized Moldova to remain in its sphere of influence at a time when several Kremlin-aligned governments are rocked by political unrest.
‘March of memory’
Belarusians took to the streets of the capital Minsk on Sunday in a fresh demonstration against strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko as anger mounted over the recent death of an opposition activist.
Armed and masked police dispersed protesters with tear gas and stun grenades and deployed water cannon, local media reported, shortly after the latest march began against the ex-Soviet country's strongman leader.
Belarusian rights group Viasna said at least 1,127 people were detained, including journalists.
Mass exodus
Villagers outside of Nagorno-Karabakh set their homes on fire before fleeing to Armenia ahead of a weekend deadline that will see some disputed territory handed over to Azerbaijan as part of a Russian-brokered peace deal.


themoscowtimes--2020-11-17--Putin Urges BRICS to Mass Produce Russian Covid-19 Vaccines

Speaking during an online summit of Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa , Putin encouraged the other four BRICS members to manufacture and distribute coronavirus vaccines developed by Russia .
Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday called on fellow members of the BRICS alliance of major emerging countries to mass produce Russian-made coronavirus vaccines .
`` There are Russian vaccines , they work , they work effectively and safely ...
It 's very important to unite for the mass production of these products into wide circulation , '' Putin said .
Putin noted that Russia has agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct clinical trials of its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine , as well as manufacturing agreements with China and India .
The world 's largest vaccine producer is in India , the Serum Institute of India .
The Russian leader did not offer specifics as to what broader efforts between the five countries to mass produce the vaccines would entail , or outline the commercial conditions .
Russia has registered two coronavirus vaccines as a global race heats up in producing an effective vaccine to combat the pandemic , which has now claimed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August , Russia announced that it had registered the world 's first Covid-19 vaccine , Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — but did so ahead of large-scale clinical trials .
Last month , Putin announced that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine , EpiVacCorona .
Russia has applied to the World Health Organization for accelerated registration and pre-qualification of the Sputnik V vaccine , which Russia has said is 92 % effective .
Some Western scientists have expressed concern over the vaccine , warning that moving too quickly could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BioNTech earlier this month announced that their virus vaccine is 90 % effective , while U.S. company Moderna said Monday early results showed its candidate was 94.5 % effective .

Speaking during an online summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Putin encouraged the other four BRICS members to manufacture and distribute coronavirus vaccines developed by Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday called on fellow members of the BRICS alliance of major emerging countries to mass produce Russian-made coronavirus vaccines.
"There are Russian vaccines, they work, they work effectively and safely... It's very important to unite for the mass production of these products into wide circulation," Putin said.
Putin noted that Russia has agreements in place with India and Brazil to conduct clinical trials of its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, as well as manufacturing agreements with China and India.
The world's largest vaccine producer is in India, the Serum Institute of India.
The Russian leader did not offer specifics as to what broader efforts between the five countries to mass produce the vaccines would entail, or outline the commercial conditions.
Russia has registered two coronavirus vaccines as a global race heats up in producing an effective vaccine to combat the pandemic, which has now claimed the lives of 1.3 million people.
In August, Russia announced that it had registered the world's first Covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — but did so ahead of large-scale clinical trials.
Last month, Putin announced that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona.
Russia has applied to the World Health Organization for accelerated registration and pre-qualification of the Sputnik V vaccine, which Russia has said is 92% effective.
Some Western scientists have expressed concern over the vaccine, warning that moving too quickly could be dangerous.
Pharma giants Pfizer and BioNTech earlier this month announced that their virus vaccine is 90% effective, while U.S. company Moderna said Monday early results showed its candidate was 94.5% effective.


themoscowtimes--2020-11-17--‘A Ward Boss With Nukes’: Obama Unloads on Putin in New Memoir

Obama and Putin were often at odds during the U.S. president 's eight years in office despite his attempts at a “ reset ” in relations with Russia .
Tensions came to a head in 2014 , when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine , as well as in 2016 , when the U.S. accused Moscow of interfering in its presidential election .
Russian President Vladimir Putin resembles a local “ ward boss ” with nuclear weapons and a UN Security Council veto , former U.S. President Barack Obama wrote in the first volume of his memoirs that hit bookstore shelves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama 's thoughts on Putin and Russia from within the 701 pages of “ A Promised Land ” : — “ Despite having a nuclear arsenal second only to our own , Russia lacked the vast network of alliances and bases that allowed the United States to project its military power across the globe.
” — “ Moscow ’ s high-end shopping districts testified to the country ’ s transformation from a creaky state-run economy to one with a growing number of billionaires , but the pinched lives of ordinary Russians spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down.
” — “ Few , if any , young Africans , Asians , or Latin Americans looked to Russia for inspiration in the fight to reform their societies , or felt their imaginations stirred by Russian movies or music , or dreamed of studying there , much less immigrating .
[ ... ] Putin ’ s Russia came off as insular and suspicious of outsiders—to be feared , perhaps , but not emulated.
” — “ It was this gap between the truth of modern-day Russia and Putin ’ s insistence on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that helped account for the country ’ s increasingly combative foreign relations .
Much of the ire was directed at us.
” — “ In public remarks , Putin became sharply critical of American policy .
When U.S.-backed initiatives came before the UN Security Council , he made sure Russia blocked them or watered them down — particularly anything touching on human rights.
” — “ Our diplomats routinely received complaints from Russia ’ s neighbors about instances of intimidation , economic pressure , misinformation campaigns , covert electioneering , contributions to pro-Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — “ For us , [ the 2008 Russian-Georgian war ] was a sign of Putin ’ s escalating boldness and general belligerence , a troubling unwillingness to respect another nation ’ s sovereignty and a broader flouting of international law.
” — “ As for our proposed ‘ reset , ’ the goal wasn ’ t to eliminate all differences between our two countries , I explained ; it was to get past Cold War habits and establish a realistic , mature relationship that could manage those differences and build on shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision not just to step down [ in 2008 ] but to promote a younger man with a reputation for relatively liberal , pro-Western views suggested he at least cared about appearances.
” — “ Medvedev , meanwhile , appeared to be a poster child for the new Russia : young , trim , and clothed in hip , European-tailored suits .
Except that he wasn ’ t the real power in Russia.
” — “ With the fastidiousness of a teenager on Instagram , he curated a constant stream of photo ops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masculine vigor ( Putin riding a horse with his shirt off , Putin playing hockey ) , all the while practicing a casual chauvinism and homophobia , and insisting that Russian values were being infected by foreign elements .
Everything Putin did fed the narrative that under his firm , paternal guidance , Russia had regained its mojo.
” — “ I found him strangely familiar , ‘ like a ward boss , except with nukes and a UN Security Council veto.
’ [ ... ] Putin did , in fact , remind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] tough , street smart , unsentimental characters who knew what they knew , who never moved outside their narrow experiences , and who viewed patronage , bribery , shakedowns , fraud , and occasional violence as legitimate tools of the trade.
” — “ For them , as for Putin , life was a zero-sum game ; you might do business with those outside your tribe , but in the end , you couldn ’ t trust them .
You looked out for yourself first and then for your own .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scruples , a contempt for any high-minded aspirations beyond accumulating power , were not flaws .
They were an advantage .
”

Obama and Putin were often at odds during the U.S. president's eight years in office despite his attempts at a “reset” in relations with Russia. Tensions came to a head in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, as well as in 2016, when the U.S. accused Moscow of interfering in its presidential election.
Russian President Vladimir Putin resembles a local “ward boss” with nuclear weapons and a UN Security Council veto, former U.S. President Barack Obama wrote in the first volume of his memoirs that hit bookstore shelves Tuesday.
Here are the highlights from Obama's thoughts on Putin and Russia from within the 701 pages of “A Promised Land”:
On Russia’s superpower status
— “Despite having a nuclear arsenal second only to our own, Russia lacked the vast network of alliances and bases that allowed the United States to project its military power across the globe.”
— “Moscow’s high-end shopping districts testified to the country’s transformation from a creaky state-run economy to one with a growing number of billionaires, but the pinched lives of ordinary Russians spoke to how little of this new wealth trickled down.”
— “Few, if any, young Africans, Asians, or Latin Americans looked to Russia for inspiration in the fight to reform their societies, or felt their imaginations stirred by Russian movies or music, or dreamed of studying there, much less immigrating. [...] Putin’s Russia came off as insular and suspicious of outsiders—to be feared, perhaps, but not emulated.”
— “It was this gap between the truth of modern-day Russia and Putin’s insistence on its superpower status, I thought, that helped account for the country’s increasingly combative foreign relations. Much of the ire was directed at us.”
On Russia’s foreign policy
— “In public remarks, Putin became sharply critical of American policy. When U.S.-backed initiatives came before the UN Security Council, he made sure Russia blocked them or watered them down — particularly anything touching on human rights.”
— “Our diplomats routinely received complaints from Russia’s neighbors about instances of intimidation, economic pressure, misinformation campaigns, covert electioneering, contributions to pro-Russian political candidates, or outright bribery.”
— “For us, [the 2008 Russian-Georgian war] was a sign of Putin’s escalating boldness and general belligerence, a troubling unwillingness to respect another nation’s sovereignty and a broader flouting of international law.”
— “As for our proposed ‘reset,’ the goal wasn’t to eliminate all differences between our two countries, I explained; it was to get past Cold War habits and establish a realistic, mature relationship that could manage those differences and build on shared interests.”
On former President Dmitry Medvedev
— “Putin’s decision not just to step down [in 2008] but to promote a younger man with a reputation for relatively liberal, pro-Western views suggested he at least cared about appearances.”
— “Medvedev, meanwhile, appeared to be a poster child for the new Russia: young, trim, and clothed in hip, European-tailored suits. Except that he wasn’t the real power in Russia.”
On Putin’s image
— “With the fastidiousness of a teenager on Instagram, he curated a constant stream of photo ops, projecting an almost satirical image of masculine vigor (Putin riding a horse with his shirt off, Putin playing hockey), all the while practicing a casual chauvinism and homophobia, and insisting that Russian values were being infected by foreign elements. Everything Putin did fed the narrative that under his firm, paternal guidance, Russia had regained its mojo.”
— “I found him strangely familiar, ‘like a ward boss, except with nukes and a UN Security Council veto.’ [...] Putin did, in fact, remind me of the sorts of [...] tough, street smart, unsentimental characters who knew what they knew, who never moved outside their narrow experiences, and who viewed patronage, bribery, shakedowns, fraud, and occasional violence as legitimate tools of the trade.”
— “For them, as for Putin, life was a zero-sum game; you might do business with those outside your tribe, but in the end, you couldn’t trust them. You looked out for yourself first and then for your own. In such a world, a lack of scruples, a contempt for any high-minded aspirations beyond accumulating power, were not flaws. They were an advantage.”