Putin may lose support as Russian economy declines

World Today

The Russian ruble continues to fall further in value, dragged down by weak oil prices and fears of increased sanctions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Many Russians are in favor of shutting down Russian imports from the West, a view seldom heard before the crisis with Ukraine. The crisis has also drastically re-focused the Russian public discourse to matters of security and politics.

Polls of public support for President Vladimir Putin have fallen below 50 percent since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March. Economists say that if the economy continues to decline, the Russian government may lose further support.

CCTV’s Tom Barton reports.
Follow Tom Barton on Twitter @tombartonjourno