That's one of the most important reasons. When I see the UK it just looks like America with different buildings and a different flag. But when I see Russia, I see a totally different country. It's awesome!
Western Europe does almost anything that America tells it to do. But not Russia because Russia isn't a loser.
If I went to a football game and the other team said "Well, we are going to lose today because the other team told us to.", I wouldn't pay to watch that game.
Globalism can be a good thing but don't sell Russia short.
Russian Chip Gurus ARM Intel Rivals With Secret Weapon | Wired Enterprise | Wired.com
And who has been keeping the International Space Station manned? Russia.
America sent 5 expedition crews to the station from 2001-2002. Russia has sent 32 expedition crews to the station. And Expedition Crew 37 will be going there aboard a Soyuz TMA-09M in September.
Crews and Expeditions | NASA
That's one of the most important reasons that I want to live in Russia. They have the most epic space program on the whole planet. And yeah, Explorers 1 and 2, Cassini-Solstice, Kepler, and Curiosity are really cool too but those aren't manned projects.
Anyway, President Putin won't take orders from America. Imo, he will use Snowden to get support from other countries. And yeah, there is the possibility of sanctions but our government could lose a lot too if they push too much.
But at least Putin is taking time out to go hunting and catch 46 pound Pike and eat fish steaks! We've been doing that too! Well, except fishing. But rappelling trumps fishing, imo!
Vladimir Putin flees controversy, goes on shirtless fishing trip with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev | National Post