The conflict in Ukraine and the military in Kazakhstan: what does Vladimir Putin want?

Berlin Dozens of glasses of champagne were clearly visible in front of the majestic Spassky Tower with its bright red star on Red Square when Vladimir Putin toasted his people during his New Year’s address.

It was especially important for the Russian president to “congratulate everyone who is now performing their professional and military duties” in the new year. His soldiers are “in a combat position and secure law and order.”

A terrible picture. At the same time, more than 100,000 Russian soldiers with heavy equipment have gathered in cold temperatures on Russia’s western border with Ukraine for more than a month.

Putin deployed battalions, battle groups, tanks, rocket launchers and paratroopers in December. and giving the West an ultimatum to abandon another NATO expansion to the east.