Value of Russian ruble crashing

UPI ^ | October 6, 2014 | Daniel J. Graber

[Alter Kaker]

MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The value of the Russian ruble hit a historic low Monday when compared with U.S. and European currencies, the Russian Central Bank said. It took just over 40 rubles to buy one U.S. dollar, or just over 50 rubles to buy a euro, in Monday trading, the bank said.

The bank said last week it was struggling to keep Russian inflation in check because of U.S. and European sanctions on Russian energy companies. Sanctions were imposed earlier this year because of Russian policies in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Kremlin rebels are fighting for more authority.

Exports of crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas account for nearly 70 of all Russian export revenues in 2013. The World Bank finds Russia's export-based economy leaves it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions.

Victoria Nuland, U.S. assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, said last week sanctions "can and will" be rolled back provided Russia respects Ukraine's sovereignty.

Nuland left Sunday for Kiev to discuss the status of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

Yeah, because the Russian people are so enthusiastic about going to the Ukraine. The morale of the Russian people and military is severely low

If you have data for that, I'd like to see it.

I’m no fan of imperialist Russia, but Putin is the face of a dying Russia,

I wish I had your optimism!

[MeatshieldActual]

I base the low morale on a number of factors,
-like the people’s alcohol abuse
-the fact that hundreds, if not thousands of Russian soldiers have suddenly disappeared or have been killed within just six months or so
-another factor which has been with the Russian military for several decades is the practice of “dedovshchina”, which is an extreme form of hazing of new conscripts. Pretty sick stuff, making garrison life hellish enough.
-protests are starting to erupt in Russia, which is no small feat in Russia.
-plus the usual economic troubles.

Putin has been foolish enough to arm “his” Islamists, who will eventually turn on him. Coupled with the fact that Muslims are the fastest growing demographic in Russia, and we have a recipe for a Muslim takeover of Russia. Which might be a whole lot worse than anything the world has ever seen. That would be a LOT of oil and resources in the hands of Muslims. That is why I see Putin and the Neo-Socialists as a short-term problem, the last gasps of old Imperialist Russia.

[elcid1970]

“The Soviets do not share our fear of nuclear war and mass murder.”

I recall during the Cold War & strategic arms negotiations how the Soviets would boast that they were a tough people, battle hardened in WWII, & able to endure punishment on a mass scale yet still attain victory, as they did over the Nazis (massive American aid was not mentioned).

“We Russians are survivors. What are you, Americans?”

Is it returning to this?