Russian paper says "crooks" play on Putin's "fears" to extract election promises.

Text of report by the website of Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, often critical of the government on 29 February

[Article by Yuliya Latynina: "Turning Pink Elephants into Cash. Who Is Making Money out of the Leader's Fears, and How"]

As the 4 March non-elections approach, it is useful to make a list of the pre-election promises that Putin has made.

Of course, after 12 years in office it is stupid to give promises, it is necessary to give an account, otherwise you look just like a drunk who has spent 12 years beating his wife and never working but, when the police suddenly show up, falls to his knees and shouts: "Darling! Tomorrow I will start making it up to you!" But nevertheless, promises are promises.

First, Vladimir Putin promised soccer fans that Aeroflot and Transaero would fly them to big matches free of charge. Soccer fans are not the most destitute category of the population. …