The Economist: An ugly victory

Russia is a tragedy - after Communism these people would deserve a break from nasty politicians, abuse and false promises. But only the names and labels seem to have changed.

Sure - it looks like Putin has recovered Russia’s economy fortunes - but that isn’t true. Already before his first election it was on a rebound. Today the state controlled economy is back - and the country is even more addicted to oil than the US. Russia’s current upswing is solely based on it’s energy exports. Under Putin all other industries have suffered and repressions are considered worse now than before he took power. So all that talk that he sorted out Russia for good is rubbish.