McCain: Russia Is a 'Gas Station Masquerading as a Country'

Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Sen. John McCain (R-AZ):

“The United States of America, first of all, has to have a fundamental re-assessment of our relationship with Vladimir Putin, No more reset buttons, no more ‘Tell Vladimir I’ll be more flexible.’ Treat him for what he is. That does not mean re-ignition of the Cold War. But it does mean treating him in the way that we understand an individual who believes in restoring the old Russian empire.”

“Look, Russia is a gas station masquerading as a country, It’s kleptocracy, it’s corruption. It’s a nation that’s really only dependent upon oil and gas for their economy. And so economic sanctions are important. Get some military assistance to Ukrainians, at least so they can defend themselves. Resume the missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. Look at Moldova and Georgia, both of whom are occupied by Russian troops as we speak, a path toward membership in NATO.”

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