Robert Gates: “We have discussed the possibility of a surge and -- and the potential for what it might accomplish.”

Putin feels that he has a destiny to recreate the Russian Empire.

I think we still have quite a bit of time, Chuck. I think there's still broad bipartisan support in the Congress for helping Ukraine.

He would be candid and honest, willing to tell the President straight from the shoulder what he needs to hear.

He wants Ukraine, basically, to be a client state of Russia.