Russia ready for more sacrifice, Shuvalov tells Davos

DAVOS , Switzerland, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Russia's deputy prime minister said Friday his country will undergo hardship in support of President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Igor Shuvalov blamed the West for its dispute with Russia over Ukraine and pointed to the solidarity of Russia's citizens.

"Read our history: the Russians will never give up their leader. We will tighten our belt, eat less food, suffer any privations, but if outsiders want to force changes on us, we will be united as never before. It erupted there (Ukraine) but it could have been anywhere. This is about the West trying to show us our place and refusing to treat us an equal. They are telling us to sit in a corner quietly. If this doesn't change, it will be a bleeding wound for decades. People don't blame Putin because they know this is an attack against Russia."

Shuvalov added, though, that Russia is seeking the help of China in shoring up its foreign exchange reserves to keep the Russian ruble afloat. The value of the currency fell significantly because of the impact of Western economic sanctions, and a decline in the price of Russia's most prominent export, oil. He said the current economic recession in Russia will be "longer, deeper and more protected" that a 2008 recession.

A split between Putin and some of Russia's wealthiest citizens, who advocate an end to the Ukraine conflict, has also been noted. Businessmen who were once in Putin's inner circle are "on the periphery now," Russian political consultant Sergei Markov told Bloomberg News, which said Putin has become suspicious of those who are being hurt the most by U.S. and European sanctions.

"It's a very difficult time for Putin," said Russian sociologist and politician Olga Kryshtanovskaya. "He's being criticized from both sides, the liberals and the hawks. Many people in the Kremlin believe Russia should adopt an even tougher stance."