MOSCOW—Russia’s economy was struggling even before it was hit with western sanctions for annexing Crimea from Ukraine. Despite the downward trend, President Vladimir Putin’s popularity has reached an all-time high on a wave of nationalistic fervor. But analysts say the high numbers are set to drop. The value of the Russian currency, the ruble, is at a historic low as western sanctions and falling oil prices take a toll on the economy. But Putin’s approval rating is over 80 percent since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. The boost came at … …read more
Source: Egylovers
