Since Russian troops invaded and took over Crimea, Ukraine’s authorities have seemed largely helpless. The criticism is not easing since many expect that Russia may invade the mainland, citing Russian troops near Ukraine’s northeastern borders and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that southeastern Ukraine is a traditionally Russian land.

James Sherr, a fellow at the Russian and

Eurasian program at London-based think tank Chatham House and a Western

analyst on security issues in Ukraine and Russia, is critical of the Ukrainian leadership’s weak response.