!["For [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, destroying Ukraine as a modern country is almost as important as anything else now," says historian Lawrence Freedman. Above, Putin is flanked by General Valery Gerasimov (left) and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. (file photo)](https://gdb.rferl.org/08530000-0a00-0242-b56d-08db00435d55_cx0_cy5_cw0_w160_r1.jpg)
!["For [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, destroying Ukraine as a modern country is almost as important as anything else now," says historian Lawrence Freedman. Above, Putin is flanked by General Valery Gerasimov (left) and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. (file photo)](https://gdb.rferl.org/08530000-0a00-0242-b56d-08db00435d55_cx0_cy5_cw0_w66_r1.jpg)
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