Russian oligarch Deripaska, who has featured prominently in various instances as a tool of Russian hybrid warfare against the US and the West in general, has seen his main asset Rusal crumble in various stock exchanges. Moscow can do little to preempt future hits against Russian oligarchs close to Putin. Seems Rusal is technically bankrupt unable to pay its debts.
The Russian President is cornered - the only option he has before he sees more oligarchs lose their wealth and turn against him is to escalate both the military response and the hybrid operations. A direct confrontation with the US is unlikely however he might seek a soft spot and try to humiliate Washington by striking an ally.
Ukraine, the West Balkans, Georgia,Syria - all potential targets.
As often stated - before Putin goes he will rock the world.
Russia and the West have moved beyond the point of return to normalcy in their relations and are on a an irreversible self-propelling collision course.
