Thoughts on Ukraine, Part 2: Kleptocracy, Not Patriotism or Shared Nationality
Kleptocracy is at the heart of Putin’s government. CSIS states, “The breadth and depth of Russian organized crime already runs so wide and deep, that Russia is on the verge of becoming a criminal syndicalist state, dominated by a lethal mix of gangsters, corrupt officials, and dubious businessmen.”
Part 2 discusses Ukraine’s abundant resources as the possible objective for the Russian invasion. While it may not be the only objective, it is quite possibly a significant driving force. If the Russian kleptocrats are concerned about the security of the Siberian resource basin, Ukraine could be extremely important.