The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
The Daily Vertical is a video primer for Russia-watchers that appears Monday through Friday. Viewers can suggest topics via Twitter @PowerVertical or on the Power Vertical Facebook page.
A transcript of today's Daily Vertical can be found here.
NOTE TO POWER VERTICALISTAS: I will be traveling for the next few weeks for public appearances in Estonia and Poland -- and a short vacation in the United States. No Power Vertical products will appear from February 19 to March 14. The regular schedule resumes on March 15.