Russia’s economy is reeling from the effect of a sharp fall in the price of oil. The ruble has lost more than a third of its value since August, inflation is about 13 percent a year and the 2009 budget is expected to slip into deficit for the first time in about a decade. The Kremlin is now reportedly worried about social unrest. Has Vladimir Putin’s star fallen? For more, we’re talking to Steven Eke, Russia analyst for our partner, the BBC.
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