Robert Robb's analysis of the intricacies of the Russian attempts to undermine the elections of Western democracies ignores the true nature of Putin's Machiavellian machinations and ambitions. The seizure of Crimea by military force was the first step in his campaign to reassert Russian power after the breakup of the Soviet Union. From Catherine the Great onward access to the Mediterranean has been a vital Russian objective giving Russia access to Africa and the freedom to expand its influence in the region. This is being achieved.

The war with Ukraine was to test both Ukraine, bleed it economically and undermine its nascent democratic independence. Ukraine has always been the Russian breadbasket. Thanks to America, a stalemate has been achieved. Interfering in our elections is a sideshow to distract from Putin's true purposes. Though the country is vast in terms of landmass, the Russian economy is about the same size as Italy's so it is vulnerable to American economic might and muscle and desperately needs American know how for oil and gas extraction. Putin has to manoeuver carefully. The more dependent NATO countries become on Russian gas pipelines, the more Russian power grows. It's a long term, gradual process. Political opposition at home must not get out of hand. Trump with his naivety, lack of knowledge and personal vanity is an easy target for the political ambitions of the smiling Putin. Sowing the seeds of discord in our political system with a few savvy Russian computer techs is cheap and easy. Whether the techs side with Democrat or Republican makes no difference since the purpose is the same.