Two months later, and Kyiv's small – albeit astonishing – occupation of Russian territory is going strong. Western officials don't understand how.

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According to "The Moscow Times," there was hope for an agreement between Russia and Ukraine as recently as this summer, with both sides planning to make peace in Qatar. However, Putin suddenly changed his mind.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law Wednesday that will allow criminal defendants to skip prosecution and potential prison time if they enlist in the army. The bill was originally