Former Duma deputy, oppositionist Konstantin Borovoi believes that the statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin on reducing defense spending in 2018 attests to the effectiveness of the sanctions of the West.
He said this in an interview with Politeka.
"This shows that sanctions are very effective. And the structure of the economy is such that it does not allow to experiment in the field of some provocations.
There is simply no money for this, "Borovoy said, adding that the cuts will continue after the presidential elections in Russia.
He noted that the Russians will react to possible budget cuts in the social sphere in the way they are inspired by propaganda.
"Propaganda says that Russia is the best country in the world. She is surrounded by enemies who want to harm her in various ways. That the seizure of the Crimea is an attempt to fight the Americans, who were going to make it a military base against Russia, "the opposition leader said..