Edward Stourton examines Vladimir Putin’s strategic vision for Eastern Europe, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea - and the rise of political tensions throughout Ukraine.

The political map of eastern Europe has changed dramatically in the last few months. Edward Stourton examines Vladimir Putin’s strategic vision for Eastern Europe, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea - and the rise of political tensions throughout Ukraine.

Are Moscow's actions in the Ukraine crisis evidence of a long-term strategy to reassert Russia as a world power? Or are they the actions of a weakened government scrabbling to keep up with events?

Picture: President Vladimir Putin, Yuri Kadobnov/AFP/Getty Images