An annual event that brings together Russian officials and foreign experts opened Wednesday, revealing strongly divergent views over the reality of the crisis in Ukraine and exposing what appears to be President Vladimir Putin ’s ever-tightening grip on his country. It also laid bare qualms both in Russia and the West about whether U.S. and European Union sanctions against Moscow over its actions in Ukraine are damaging those who seek normal relations with the West—and further fueling Russian nationalism. The so-called Valdai Club, named for the lake on the shores of which its first meeting was held, distinguishes itself from other forums by giving rare access to decision makers in Moscow, who usually speak on condition they not be named.