russia stands with respect to europe and even the united states when it comes to its military spending. its military might. its economy. and how what other people have said i wonder if you agree that president putin in fact plays a weak hand very well. well, the very well question depends what you think is decoo sishl, what is really in russia s national interests. i think the proper concern of a president is the welfare of his people and the improvement of health, infrastructure, education and so on all of which is underplayed. i don t think myself that spending a lot of money on military supplies and building up your armed forces is sensible unless you sincerely believe that you have an enemy to face. the west is not a military enemy to russia. russia can now bring its forces to bear on particular areas near