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: As I will be speaking at the Snow Meeting in Lithuania this week, no Power Vertical products will appear from January 10-12. The regular schedule resumes on January 15.