In fact these compatriot policies can be viewed as part of Putin 's new military doctrine that seeks territorial gains in the former Soviet republics , particularly where there is a receptive population of Russian speakers . Agnia Grigas : Vladimir Putin has made effective use of his ` ` compatriot '' policy . It allows him to gain influence in areas where ethnic Russians and Russian speakers live . She says Crimea is a place where Russia can claim it was created for ` ` compatriots '' Grigas : Other nations in Russia 's neighborhood should pay attention .
Agnia Grigas : Vladimir Putin has made effective use of his ` ` compatriot '' policy . It allows him to gain influence in areas where ethnic Russians and Russian speakers live . She says Crimea is a place where Russia can claim it was created for ` ` compatriots '' Grigas : Other nations in Russia 's neighborhood should pay attention .