I will bet that after reading the S&P proclamation the Russians are shaking in their boots. ;-)
I figured I would get a response like this, and your point is very well taken. (No smile necessary!) If market dictates things, it will be over the long haul, not the first event. But there is the risk to Russia of Western dollars leaving the country in droves. This cuts jobs, pisses off the proletariate and makes things difficult for the burgousie. (sp?) Russian peasants have a history of revolt.
Have a great day!