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 VIEWERS: The Daily Vertical will not appear from June 30-July 7 as I will be traveling to Riga for a series of speaking engagements.