The Growing Exodus Of Russian Money And Brains

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks down the stairs upon his arrival at Belbek airdrome near the Crimean port of Sevastopol, August 13, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Alexei Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

Putin's Ukraine Gamble Hastens Exodus Of Russian Money And Talent -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The Kremlin's worst clash with the West since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union has accelerated the outflow of two of Russia's most prized assets: money and brains.

Vladimir Putin's annexation of Crimea and support for rebels accused of shooting down a passenger plane over Ukraine then hindering the recovery of the 298 bodies have shredded Western hopes of a lasting alliance with Moscow.

Sanctioned by the United States and European Union, Putin's courtiers are under fire, Russia's $2 trillion economy is threatened with isolation and millions of Russians across the world are wondering what next.

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My Comment: Yup .... I have seen this trend in the past two months. Putin enjoys enormous support among the Russian population .... but .... his biggest critics are those with money and/or those with the smarts who know that such a situation will harm everyone economically .... and that their future will best be served elsewhere. My prediction .... many of those who are leaving will probably end up like me .... trying to position ourselves to live in both the West and in Russia .... but primarily in the West. As to those Russians who are interested in what countries to go to .... my recommendation is Canada, Australia, and if you have the money .... Switzerland.