Putin, Ukraine and the madman theory of diplomacy

Western leaders cling to the hope that Vladimir Putin is bluffing about an invasion.

A Ukrainian soldier on the front in Novotroitske, southern Ukraine, on Feb 2, 2022. PHOTO: NYTIMES
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(FINANCIAL TIMES) - Will there be a war in Ukraine? The one man who might know for sure is Mr Vladimir Putin. The Russian President has ordered the build-up of troops on the borders of Ukraine. The ultimate decision about whether to invade will be his alone.

But how will Mr Putin decide? That depends on which version of the Russian leader you believe in: Putin the Rational or Vlad the Mad.

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