Those challenges come as the Russian economy is still reeling from a combined blow of low oil prices and Western sanctions. The survey also reflected growing public worries about Western sanctions, with 43 percent of those polled expressing concern about them compared to 28 percent a year ago. Amid rising tensions with the West, the Kremlin has focused on beefing up Russia’s military arsenals. Stanovaya noted that Putin’s talk reflected growing instability in the absence of a common agenda between Russia and the West. “Putin believes that nuclear weapons are Russia’s ultimate argument that should influence Western politicians’ thinking.” /jpvRead Next

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 30, 2018 10:52 UTC