I see a lot of analysis from western viewpoint (which is to be expected on dominantly US web), which is really out of touch with the viewpoint of those in power

I see a lot of analysis from western viewpoint (which is to be expected on dominantly US web), which is really out of touch with the viewpoint of those in power in current Russia. Its natural for humans to try to understand the world and actions of others as if they were done by oneself, but its an incorrect approach. American can hardly fully comprehend Russian mentality (or ie Chinese and complex decision-making processes). This is the soviet way and business-as-usual, and they are still ruled by people who got these ways drilled in the brain in the height of the cold war while working for KGB. What else can you expect from such people. Bear in mind, very, very smart people, mostly highly functioning sociopaths like in many other top positions. They don't care much about western condemnation or sanctions, those don't touch those who hold power (even specifically targeted ones). In contrary - it helps foster the us-vs-they mentality in state controlled media. There is a lot of macho behavior, and even president has to/wants to show some of it since its expected. People tend to think how much has world moved since end of cold war. Well for Russia and its powergames, very little. Try to look at these things from perspective of cold war optics, and events like Ukraine, Georgia, poisonings etc. do look as usual tug of war of the past.