TOKYO -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced major setbacks in his attempt to conquer Ukraine, but apparently he still believes that he is a great leader, judging from the way he behaves toward Western nations.
Russia turns to North Korea as its woes in Ukraine cool ties with Central Asia

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome for space launches in the Amur area of the Russian Far East on Sept. 13. (Sputnik/Reuters)
TOKYO -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced major setbacks in his attempt to conquer Ukraine, but apparently he still believes that he is a great leader, judging from the way he behaves toward Western nations.