An insulting term that was once associated with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in the 1970s and 1980s is now being increasingly used to describe Putin. Despite promises from the government, Russia has not yet developed a modern pension system, improved regulations for a competitive financial market like Dubai, or invested in its deteriorating infrastructure. The Russian government plans to spend $620 billion by 2020 on re-equipping the military, while cutting funds for infrastructure and education. This has caused frustration among business leaders who are in need of improvements to the outdated road network. Despite Putin's promises to reduce the economy's reliance on oil and gas exports, the oil price needed to balance the budget has more than doubled in the past five years to $110. In terms of foreign policy, Medvedev's much-publicized effort to improve relations with the United States has hit a roadblock. Instead of focusing on this initiative, Moscow has been at odds with the West over Syria and has placed a higher priority on establishing a free trade zone with former Soviet nations Belarus and Kazakhstan. Alexei Pushkov, head of the Duma's Foreign Affairs Committee, has stated that Russia aims to be an independent influence in its region and does not want to mimic the West. One of the most evident differences between Russia and the West is the treatment of Pussy Riot, a feminist punk band that protested in a Moscow cathedral with a song criticizing Putin. Three members were sentenced to two years in prison for "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred," with one later being released on probation. Putin stated that the women received a deserved punishment for their vulgar group sex performance, which he believed threatened Russia's moral values. Western governments and human rights groups were angered by the severe punishment given to Pussy Riot. However, some analysts believe the harsh treatment may reflect Kremlin's insecurity in the face of growing public discontent. Despite the decrease in street protests in Moscow, political experts suggest that the educated urban population is becoming more dissatisfied with Putin's leadership. Not too far from Putin's luxurious Novo-Ogaryovo residence with its ornate gates adorned with the double-headed Russian eagle, lies the unremarkable town of Krasnogorsk to the north of Moscow. In a bustling McDonald's restaurant within this town, a petite 30-year-old woman named Yekaterina Samutsevich passionately shared her thoughts on Russia's future under Putin as a snowstorm raged outside. According to the recently released Pussy Riot member, the current system is deteriorating and becoming increasingly oppressive. Those in power are driven by intense fears, leading to erratic behavior. Samutsevich warned of a potential collapse similar to that of the Soviet Union. It is yet to be determined if Putin's vision of a powerful, stable nation or the grim prediction of a young punk rocker will become reality. However, in the meantime, the people and business elite of Russia are expressing their opinions through their actions. Putin is not gaining support.