Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's recent article for the Russian newspaper Izvestia discussing the creation of a new Eurasian Union continues to draw reactions from media and politicians Oct 6. Originally written Oct. 3, the article emphasizes Putin's proposal for the Eurasian Union, an economic grouping focusing on integration between Russia and former Soviet republics. The Eurasian Union has been labeled one of Moscow's top foreign policy priorities, and its proposal coincides with Putin's expected return to the Russian presidency in 2012 . The union would serve as a key platform for Russia's more assertive behavior in the international realm, a platform that stems from Moscow's geopolitical resurgence from the preceding years. The Izvestia article is the first time Putin has elaborated on the Eurasian Union since he first mentioned the idea — almost in passing — in July.