TODAY: Sergei Udaltsov found guilty in Bolotnaya Square protests; Putin’s approval ratings reach a high; IMF forecasts weaker growth.  Russia denies missiles launched on its territory against Ukrainian fighter jets; Kremlin disapproves of U.S. South Korea plans; Canada announces sanctions. 

Left Front leader Sergei Udaltsov and activist Leonid Razvozzhayev have been found guilty of organising mass riots at the anti-Putin Bolotnaya Square protests in a trial human rights groups have labelled a ‘mockery of justice‘.  Udaltsov has now gone on hunger strike in protest against the 4 and a half year prison sentence.  Reuters examines the phenomenon of middle class emigration from Russia, which is reportedly rapidly increasing.  Despite the MH17 disaster dealing a blow to Putin’s international image, his approval ratings have reportedly risen to a six-year high, to 86%, according to a state-run poll.  Pundits like broadcaster Dmitry Kiselyev of Channel One, the subject of this report, are helping to keep the President’s image polished.  The IMF has slashed Russia’s economic growth forecast for 2014-2015 to 0.2% from 1.3% for 2014 and to 1% from 2.3% for 2015.