Blame it all on Crimea

[luvdovz]

The number of Russians who continue to believe the annexation of Crimea was the right thing to do, seems to remain unchanged: about 90% support Putin's move, just as they used to at the time of the event. That's what the polls suggest. Problem is, the euphoria from the annexation may've started evaporating pretty fast.

The main reasons are, of

Comments

[merig00]

Add on top that the russian authorities convinced people that the fall of Soviet Union to Russia is what the Treaty of Versailles was to Germany. So when ruble finally turns to rubble(see what I did there) I'm not 100% sure that people will turn against their rulers.

[abomvubuso]

The Russian economy is in a freefall not only because of the sanctions and the low oil prices but also due to mismanagement, corruption, and lack of trust from the investors, respectively. Let's not fool ourselves: a stagnating Russian economy is not benefiting anyone except maybe the main geopolitical rival, America. Virtually everyone else wants the Russian economy to thrive and be more open, including Europe. But that won't happen through policies from the late 19th century.

[htpcl]

I'll tell you what will happen. If you're expecting that the Russian people will rise up and knock Dear Leader out, you're mistaken. Sure, they'll bang some cutlery on the streets for a while, but then he'll sell them the story of the evil West trying to suffocate Mother Russia (we've heard that one plenty of times before).

Russia is actively pursuing a reorientation to the East (China and Central Asia). Once this happens, it'll shut the door to the West, and we'll see another Iron Curtain.

The reason for the high tolerance of the Russian people to shenanigans like these is due to the complete lack of democratic instincts over there. Hell, *we* in the Balkans are lacking it, what's left for Russia, which is largely an Asian culture?

[luvdovz]

If you're expecting that the Russian people will rise up and knock Dear Leader out, you're mistaken

Not if the oligarchs decide otherwise.

[peamasii]

51 billion USD of investments and it still looks like nobody lives there!

[luvdovz]

Resembles China's ghost cities. And, ain't China supposed to be just awesome? ;)