Russia’s ruble is in a world of pain, having lost one-third of its value against the Dollar over the last 40 months. The down-trend is accelerating, emphasized by two large 13-week Twiggs Momentum peaks below the zero line.
Vladimir Putin has backed himself into a corner and has no way out but to escalate. His current strategy in Eastern Europe of one-step-back-two-steps-forward is becoming predictable and the European Union is likely to run out of patience, responding with further sanctions. Increasingly threatening behavior in the Baltic is also unlikely to intimidate, merely strengthening alliances and resolve.
George Soros on the Ukraine crisis:
https://twitter.com/andersostlund/status/525183504066560000
Former Swedish PM Carl Bildt seems to agree:
"Ukraine’s Vote, Russia’s Fate" by @carlbildt http://t.co/HfENdCm0Uh
— Project Syndicate (@ProSyn) October 22, 2014
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard weighs in on Russia’s economic woes:
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: Russia is weaker now than decaying Soviet Union before collapse | via @Telegraph http://t.co/qmnrX5ffHT
— Colin Twiggs (@Colin_Twiggs) October 23, 2014