Russia's War Against Ukraine
OP-ED
Paul Roderick Gregory: Will 2015 be a turning point for Putin and his regime?
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) crosses himself as he takes part in an Orthodox Christmas mass in the village of Otradnoye near Voronezh early on January 7, 2015. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 in the Middle East, Russia and other Orthodox churches that use the old Julian calendar instead of the 17th-century Gregorian calendar adopted by Catholics, Protestants, Greek Orthodox and commonly used in secular life around the world. AFP PHOTO / RIA-NOVOSTI-POOL / ALEXEY DRUZHININ
This year will be a tough one for Vladimir Putin as the Russian people come to better understand the huge social and economic costs of his Ukraine venture. Putin has violated his pledge of growth and prosperity. He has lost Ukraine and has turned Russia into a rogue state. The sanctions combined with low oil prices have created a perfect storm of declining living standards and double digit inflation that is draining Russia of its reserves. Russia now lacks the resources for a Novorossiya campaign (which the Russian people show little interest anyway). Putin has created the opportunity for a new Ukraine and for regime change at home. We must wonder, like President Obama does, whether this guy is smartafter all.
