“Crimea could become a black hole - if only due to corruption in which vast sums of money often vanish without a trace.”
That’s a fair description of Russia, a black hole where money is routinely funnelled to a small cabal of oligarchs connected to Putin.
Corruption is the most serious problem facing Russia.
Its always was a problem even in the Soviet time but there seems to be no real accountability when people steal.
Of course its nearly impossible to crack down on it effectively in the absence of a vibrant civil society and truly independent judiciary.
“where money is routinely funnelled to a small cabal of oligarchs connected to Putin.”
You mean Oligarch’s that prfit from government money funneled to them like The Google Twins, Warren Buffet, George Soros, Zuckerburg, Rex Tillson, Chris Hughes, etc?
THOSE kind of politician-buying Oligarchs?
Thanks to unchecked and rampant Democrat Corruption in America, we have very little room now to criticize Russia for it. They are ever so slowing moving away from that system, while we are screaming TOWARD it.