There is a lot worse news for Putin I wish I could share.
I’m not surprised. The disinformation is wearing thin. Crimea is a problem. A provisional government in Ukraine defied him and continued anti-terrorist operations. The ruble took a hit.
Putin was promoted past others. There had to be a quid pro quo. Now Putin has stepped in it. Only his buddy Assad seems to be succeeding.
Without the Chinese gas deal, moves by Europe for alternative sources such as the gasification ship docked in Lithuania mean that 50% source of income for the Russian federal budget isn’t looking reliable.
Putin’s buddies in Venezuela are a big drag needing more assistance as we cut our imports of their heavy crude. Putin is in a SHTF situation.