Part 4/16:
Constantine Samo, an expatriate commentator now residing in Uzbekistan, offered insights into how ordinary Russians perceive these developments. He highlighted that the recent Alaska summit was heavily promoted and ultimately viewed as a Russian national victory. Support for Putin soared domestically, with many Russians perceiving the summit as reaffirming their country's strength against the West. However, beneath the surface, economic hardships—spurred by sanctions and declining energy revenues—are mounting. Samo emphasized that while propaganda still fuels nationalistic support, the reality on the ground is dire: a high budget deficit, shortages of fuel, and a tarnished living standard.