re: #215 HappyWarrior

I think it was happening before Putin’s actions in Ukraine. I think Putin’s actions in Ukraine are a diversion from his domestic problems and to stir up Russian nationalism in his supporters.

Yes. This.

Fact is, there is widespread poverty in Russia, outside of the Moscow sphere.

In some accounts I have read, it is pure hell and there is lots of alcoholism, and drug addiction among youth. Of course, the oligarchs had to get theirs first, and in Russia, there is little to no “trickle down” at all, even.