So what does the rest of the world now make of Russia? To get a global perspective of where Russia now really sits on the world stage, The Agenda with Stephen Cole spoke to Dr Mark Galeotti, eminent and long-standing Russia expert,and Senior Associate Fellow of London's Royal United Services Institute.

And while he thinks that Russia may not quite hold the sway internationally it once did – he says  it is vital for the world - especially the U.S. - to enter dialogue and engage with Russia going forward.