...AND THE RIGHT STILL THINKS PUTIN IS WINNING...:

Russia's economy is crashing and its currency appears to be in free fall.

The ruble plunged by about 12% Monday, meaning it's lost nearly 50% against the dollar this year.

A double-whammy of collapsing oil prices and Western sanctions is driving up inflation. Cash is flooding out of the country and the risk that some Russian companies may default is increasing.

Russia's central bank has raised interest rates five times this year, and spent nearly $90 billion trying to defend the ruble and prevent prices spiraling out of control.

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