Quote Originally Posted by diogen_ View Post
Geopolitics is much more important for Putin than economy. So, hypothetic new-fledged Novorossia would get tons of help from Russia no matter what. It’s as sure as Strelkov’s gun.))
Except, that you contradict yourself or is this a paradox? Economy is not important? So, with Russia's economy in the toilet, how will they prop up Novorossia? Is there some reason why Russia's economy will improve any time soon?
At some point, they will have to abandon financing Novorossia.

The current “price tag” is about 32 billion USD.
Украине грозит дефолт в этом году - Financial Times - Korrespondent.net

ATM, I expect from the “junta” to deflect attention of the population from looming default with a renewal of so-called anti-terrorist operation (I mean the situation when they are sure they wouldn’t get enough refunding from IMF or whoever). Otherwise, they are doomed to stepping down and fleeing to where Saakashvily currently resides. They are literally between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Some civil unrest ensues...
They need 17 or 32 or....the figure is high. I think the increased funding of the military is incredibly insane. Whey they cannot even afford (normally) to fund essential services, they need every last cent to rebuild and strengthen the country, economically. But, I am against that regime (probably, for different reasons than many Russians here) and nothing they do surprises me. I expect Ukrainians to object to their policies eventually but I probably perceive things differently. But, I don't think Ukraine's and Russia's problems are drastically different. Russia has oil but with the prices dropping and now the sanctions, Russia, will have their own economic problems.

The IMF loan, will eventually arrive, although under what conditions and when, who knows. I'd be surprised if that never comes to fruition. They just argue and negotiate what seems like forever until the Government concedes and follow the demanded conditions. The media then spins it and makes it sound like it is just in the nick of time before default/official bankruptcy.