Russia protest: crowds clash with riot police as activist jailed

Background: This is a town of 17,000. 10,000 of them showed up to protest, ostensibly about preserving their language and uniquie culture, which Putin wants eliminated. A young guy who had stuck his neck out for their culture was jailed. The province is in the middle of the Taiga, the town is not an important one.

Why this matters: First, it was streamed live all over Russia via Telegram and You Tube. Second, it showed even obscure places are at a flashpoint, these people confronting paramilitary cops with AKs with only snowballs and pieces of ice. Third, these aren't kids protesting mobilization and a shortened life expectancy, these were women, old people, teenagers, anyone who didn't have a damned good excuse to be there. Fourth: this is Siberia and the coldest time of an especially cold year.

What will happen: Now? Not much. However, it indicates Putin's days of being an Emperor over the world are coming to a screeching halt as the empire he has but neglected is starting to slip through his grabby fingers.