Russian President Vladimir Putin is admitting that historic low oil prices have caused a dangerous economic environment for the Russian government to operate. The ruble is still in decline, western sanctions are crippling the Russian economy, and now the collapse in world oil prices far below what the government needs to function means the Russians are scrambling to survive in a dismal economy. Putin has recently been seen as being more tame in doling out anti-Western rhetoric. Though he still believes the U.S. and NATO is his biggest threat, Putin has become more open to developing partnerships with Europe and Japan. The oil crisis could even drive Putin to make concessions on its involvement in Syria.
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