Rise of far-right in Italy and Austria gives Putin some friends in the west
(The Guardian Russia)

Russian president in contact with two capitals that share belief in nation-first politics and mistrust of alliancesSuddenly, Vladimir Putin has some useful friends in the west.As he looks to improve relations with Europe, at a new low since the March nerve-agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, the Russian president knows he can count on the backing of at least two capitals. Related: Russia-bashing must stop, says Jean-Claude Juncker Related: Bill Browder: I found a way to challenge Putin. He`s really sore about it Continue reading...