Putin’s plan

Everything Putin is doing in Ukraine is intended to improve his bargaining position with the West

European insecurity after Crimea

The “express annexation” of Crimea has raised the issue of the continuing need for security guarantees in Europe

Why Crimea matters

The annexation of Crimea could begin the dissolution of the western-led international order

Putin’s New World Order

Putin also wants a world order based on different principles, and this is what makes Putin’s previous actions logical and understandable

The lessons of Crimea

A co-operative approach by Germany towards sanctions will be crucial for a clear EU message in the next few days