The true test of Putin’s hold on power will come as everyday Russians are forced to give up the kind of lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to over the past 15 years. It will be interesting to gauge Russians’ tolerance for watching their wages fall and their wealth evaporate in the face of double-digit inflation. In that way, what Putin now sees as a source of his legitimacy—those years of prosperity—could end up being a source of his undoing. Are Russians really willing to impoverish themselves for the sake of grabbing a sliver of eastern Europe?

Source: www.bloomberg.com

So so analysis, but what is important is this: "The true test of Putin’s hold on power will come as everyday Russians are forced to give up the kind of lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to over the past 15 years. It will be interesting to gauge Russians’ tolerance for watching their wages fall and their wealth evaporate in the face of double-digit inflation. In that way, what Putin now sees as a source of his legitimacy—those years of prosperity—could end up being a source of his undoing. Are Russians really willing to impoverish themselves for the sake of grabbing a sliver of eastern Europe?"…and the answer most probably might be, yes?

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