[quote=Captain Jordan]
It's interesting that you say this. I read a Forbes analysis yesterday which discussed some of the economic repercussions of this incursion, mostly as political retribution by the West, which could threaten the Russian economy more severely than it is now.
[/quote]

I'd need to track it down but I've been hearing Putin's popularity shot up in the 70% range in Russia. I think the basic idea is that he's showing a strong hand in "protecting Russians from the West".