Putin's gamble

Before invading Ukraine Putin knew that he had Europe by the b...ls as Russia is the source of better than 50% of Europe's natural gas consumption.

Being excluded from the world's financial system likely doesn't lose him any sleep either because he can chose to pay down Russian debt with greatly devalued roubles, or not at all.

While there is a hue and cry in the media and amongst western politicians, little is actually done for fear of the Russian Bear turning off the gas supply.

Putin knew that would happen before going into Ukraine and also knows that he can take his time and grind that country into submission by turning its infrastructure into rubble.

All the while keeping the wolves at bay with his hand on the nuclear trigger.