Post-'Election' Russia sinks deeper into war quagmire

At the turn of the millennium, Russia put trust in a new, energetic leader who promised to deliver a better future. This leader has since turned into an aging autocrat obsessed with the imperial past and perpetuating a disastrous war. Domestic stability and expanding ties with the West were prospects that appeared to open Russia to a road of reforms. The latter has turned into a dangerous confrontation and the former into turmoil and repressions where societal militarization has nullified reform plans. Another six years of Putin is too long for the fast-deteriorating state waging a self-defeating war.