[hammer_trek_BBS]

Will the Russian Federation attempt to formally incorporate its own citizens residing in South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Trans-Dniester, and elsewhere in the "near abroad" where pro-Russian movements exist?

Not seen since the days of the Russian empire and since the days of Stalin's own brave attempt to keep the RSFSR from reducing its own territory, now Russia has this nationalistic chance to fend off the rising fascists in its own back yard.

[I guess this also relates to the questions regarding popular sentiments for Putin to get a third term.]