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Asked about Russian president Vladimir Putin's role in the crisis, McCain said: βThere's no doubt that Ukraine is of vital importance to Putin. I think it was [Henry] Kissinger, I'm not sure, said that Russia, without Ukraine it's an eastern power, with Ukraine it's a western power. This is the beginning of Russia, right here in Kiev. So Putin views it as most highly important and he has put pressure on Ukrainians β the price of energy, different kinds of activities. The word is very clear that he has made certain threats. Whether he would carry them through I don't know.β
βHe's put pressure on Moldova, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia β all of the so-called 'near-abroad'. And of course Ukraine is the crown jewel.β
Asked by CNN host Candy Crowley whether now was a good time to be be βtaking Russia onβ, given US diplomatic co-operation with Russia on issues such as Iran's nuclear programme and the civil war in Syria, McCain said: βI don't think we would be 'taking on Russia'.
βThese people love the United States of America, they love freedom β and I don't think you could view this as anything other than our traditional support for people who want free and democratic society.β