The policy of deterring Russia by Western countries with the help of sanctions was unexpected for the Kremlin. This was stated by the special representative of the US State Department on Ukraine Kurt Volker, who is quoted by the liga. net.

"Putin expected that the reaction of the West to his actions in Ukraine would be insignificant. In the case of the Crimea, he was right - there was no significant reaction. There were certain sanctions, but they did not have much power. Only when the Russian occupation touched eastern Ukraine - the West went further and began to act. The attitude of many Western European countries towards Russia has also changed, "Volcker said..

In his opinion, the countries of the West realized that they can no longer ignore Russian aggression and must oppose it.

"This policy has been going on for more than four years and I think that this was unexpected for Russia. Sanctions had a deterrent effect, "the US press representative said..

According to him, Russia begins to understand that one can not be an empire and have good relations with neighbors simultaneously.

"The Georgian lesson (the war of 2008, - Ed.. ), which influenced the war in Ukraine: Russia felt that it can do it - use military forces on foreign territory, interfere in the management of other countries, "said Volcker.

He believes that the West should change this lesson for Moscow.

"If Russia occupies Ukrainian territory and annexes the Crimea, we should say:" No, it does not work, you will not succeed successfully. The result will be sanctions, isolation from the United States and the European Union. It will affect Russian interests. You just can not continue to do this ". Then, we need to find a solution, how Russia can come to peace and understanding with independent Ukraine, resolve the conflict, "Volcker said..