Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian economy is showing clear signs of structural exhaustion. The contours of a genuine economic endgame are coming into view for Russia. This is the finding of a new Kiel Report published by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics.
There are other sources than their media, which indeed is full of propaganda. Even they are slowly starting to sour at the war in general at this point in time, though. More than one host has openly questioned the war at this point. The (pathetically small) middle class is also not particularly happy at the progress and rations they now have to endure, and even less so since their sons are next to get to go play in the meatgrinder. These are things I’ve heard firsthand from Russians.
Those with family here come over the border to buy groceries and fuel any chance they get. It’s not unusual to see some Russian buy 20 cucumbers and as much flour and milk he can carry, for example. Also, basic medicine is popular because they simply do not have any domestic availability for these things. If that’s not an indicator of how bad it is, I don’t know what you’re thinking.
If you can’t speak Russian, I still wonder why you think you have any real knowledge about how things are inside Russia. Sure, they’re shooting their missile reserves (and the really expensive ones at that), but that is something they can’t keep up indefinitely.
Lastly, the conscription is extremely unpopular inside Russia, although few dare to speak out loudly, for now. That is also something that they can’t do indefinitely without completely destroying their population.
I find it pretty arrogant that you think you know the situation on the ground based on an article or two that you happened to come across. I can ensure you that this missile barrage is an act of desperation, nothing more.
Their oil production is bad enough that they have to import refined fuel. Think about that for a minute and come back to tell me shit hasn’t hit the fan, I dare you.
What knowledge am I claiming about Russia?
Again quote me. Unless you can, you’re just making things up.
And why do you think speaking Russian makes you more knowledgeable? In these times Russian is easily translated…
I find it pretty arrogant that you think you’re the only one who knows anything. And you’re arguing against points I have never made.
And everyone knows they have to import their gasoline (but not diesel). And that is not a result of sanctions or economy, but a result of successful Ukrainian strikes on their refineries. So that’s bullshit as well.
It’s well known that common Russians aren’t happy. And I’ve stated multiple times in this thread that the economy getting worse is mostly affecting people in poor areas, who were already having a shitty time.
You’re just stating common knowledge as if they’re some kind of secret fact that only you have inside information about, and you have the arrogance to call me arrogant? Yeah man…. Get lost :)