Pat Buchanan: ‘Putin Is in Our Backyard Because We Are Playing in His Backyard’

Pat Buchanan: ‘Putin Is in Our Backyard Because We Are Playing in His Backyard’ (RealClearPolitics)

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, HOST "MCLAUGHLIN GROUP": Question: Is President Obama's belief that this is not a cold war, a new one, is that wishful thinking on his part? Pat Buchanan.

PAT BUCHANAN: No, it's not. There is not a new cold war, John. Putin is playing in our backyard because we are playing in his backyard. He doesn't want a cold war. He's got a real problem in the Ukraine. But let me tell you something. He and Angela Merkel are working behind the scenes for a deal whereby Russia cuts off aid to the separatists in Ukraine in return for recognition of his ownership of the Crimean peninsula. He pays reparations. And after that, Russia comes back in from the cold.

The Europeans don't want Russia out in the cold. I don't want Russia out in the cold. Putin doesn't want to stay out in the cold. I believe he does still see his future as with the West. And I think what they're doing down there is nothing more than playing games.