This is an English-language translation of an op-ed by the slain Russian opposition leader, Boris Nemtsov, that the Kyiv Post published on Sept. 1, 2014. It is worth reading and re-reading to understand why Vladimir Putin decided to wage war against Ukraine.

One excerpt: "Ukraine became an example of an anti-criminal revolution, which overthrew a thieving president. 'Oh so you dared to get out onto the street and throw off a president?' Ukraine needs to be punished for it to make sure that no Russian would gets these thoughts. Moreover, Ukraine chose the European way, which implies the rule of law, democracy and change of power. Ukraine's success on this way is a direct threat to Putin's power because he chose the opposite course – a lifetime in power, filled with arbitrariness and corruption."


Boris Nemtsov: 'This is Vladimir Putin's war'