http://static3.businessinsider.com/i...ment-at-64.jpg Putin's approval rating went up massively in the wake of recent events; I think that might indicate he is not likely to change course soon, or let alone to be kept in check by his constituency.
you said LG Nexus 4 is available from $300 but in practice that seems to be considerably higher. here in my country the lowest priced retail deals seem to be around 400 euros ($520). i think there are some factors specific to my country that make prices higher here (a 19% VAT tax on phones for example) but i'm skeptical all of it can be explained away like that.