How Putin is losing in Crimea: A reality check
But he doesn't care. He only cares about his power at present and making himself look like a legitimate world leader, instead of the Thug that he really is.
Economic costs
While Putin clearly imagines Russia to be a great power, the country is a hollow shell of its former self, with waning political and military influence and an economy that is teetering on the brink. Higher inflation, a weakening ruble, huge capital outflows and a lack of economic reforms contributed to a major slowdown in the growth rate last year from a projected increase of 3.6 percent to a mediocre 1.3 percent clip. The Crimea crisis will only add to these economic woes.
But he doesn't care. He only cares about his power at present and making himself look like a legitimate world leader, instead of the Thug that he really is.