The world is watching in horror as the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds. Not since the early 1960's has the threat of nuclear war seemed so real. However, have Putin’s plans to occupy Ukraine before the divided west could respond backfired?
Allegedly, having supported Donald Trump, Brexit and encouraging Germany to be reliant on Russian gas, Putin had hoped to split the alliances of NATO apart, rather than them reacting as one.
In fact, his actions may have had the opposite effect; a new unity has formed, more countries want to join NATO, an increased spending on military projects has been proposed, even in Germany, marking a huge change in their foreign policys. Even perpetually neutral Switzerland has broken its neutrality to freeze Russian assets.
The resulting barage of economic sanctions has caused havoc in the Russian economy. The Ruble has lost almost half its value, interest rates have increased to 20% to try and stop a run on the banks, and almost all trading with external countries is suspended. It is safe to say it's not quite going to plan for Mr Putin and his friends, the oligarchs, with their assets ever frozen or severly depleted, will they continue to support him?
In additon how much more disruption to everyday life will the ordinary Russians be able to take before turning on their leader, or will 'Tsar' Putin face his own 1917 uprising.
