Putin selling rubles for dollars

The purpose of leadership? Taking advantages when found, creating advantages where opportunity exists, and denying opportunity to others.

Putin understands this. And, capitalism.

Shortly before the non-invasion invasion of the Ukraine, Putin began a complex scheme in the advanced currency markets. Shorting the ruble against the dollar.

His first open trade was on the corner of Walled and Fence. In the manner of a well trained KGB agent, the transaction got little attention. He bought a Walled Street Journal with rubles, taking his change in dollars. The following day, he returned the Journal. Using his considerable powers, the street vendor refunded the purchase price. In dollars.

Growing bolder, his currency trading scheme traveled to a convenience store. He made a small purchase of 10 gallons of Russian Vodka using Russian rubles.

Two hours later, he returned the empty 10 gallon bottle threatening the store clerk with the 'nuclear' option until the full purchase amount was refunded. Again, in dollars.

Quickly having progressed from trading paper, he was already taking advantage of the commodities.

Few traders progress that rapidly. Few traders are Putin.

The West did not notice his progression or use of the Western way to great power until the Ukrainian trade. Land for dollars, the highest order of capitalism.

He has a well leveraged position and a shocked market. If he can hold the land, the dollar traders will capitulate. And, he will grow bolder. If his grand scheme fails, there's always that nuclear option.