Unfortunate that average Russians are getting hit, especially since they may not even know what is really going on because of the internal propaganda machine. But it may serve as a wakeup call, which may lead to a more clear-eyed assessment of Dear Leader. Despite the demonstrations by Russians against Putin, I heard that many well-meaning brainwashed Russians apparently believe the demonstrators are conspiracy theorists.
Sadly economic sanctions primarily hit the "common people". It will not really impact Putin & the government elites. It will discomfort the Russian billionaire oligarchs but it's not like the oligarchs will not be living in nice homes being served expense meals -- even if their yachts, planes, and offshore accounts are frozen. It appears that most Russians are believing what they hear in the state TV broadcasts still -- as Putin's government takes steps to shut off contrary information coming from the outside world.
Ruble in freefall as Russian currency 'finds another cliff to fall off' in new record low THE RUSSIAN currency has sunk to new record lows this morning as the impact of sanctions continues to be felt on the economy. https://www.express.co.uk/finance/c...ssia-Ukraine-war-Vladimir-Putin-currency-news
“Russia is considered more likely to default on its debts than Iraq, Ecuador or Ethiopia after Moody’s slashed the country’s credit rating to the second-lowest rung,” the London Telegraph reports. Times of London: “President Putin has issued a decree that holders of Russian debt must receive interest payments in roubles, an unpalatable prospect that will do little to stem the flow of western companies leaving the country.”
War has a big bad rub too...killing innocent people and soldiers who just want to defend their land. There is no painless solution. If crushing the ruble causes financial crisis in Russia, let Putin and his wealthy friends who are sitting on billions step in and help. Far better than having a 6 week land war in someone else's country and then soldiers leave and a shit show is left behind. There will be collateral damage but time to hit putin and his cronies where it hurts...their wallets.
The China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) announced Monday it was putting all its activities relating to Russia and Belarus “on hold and under review” amid “war in Ukraine.” “As the war in Ukraine unfolds, the AIIB extends its thoughts and sympathy to everyone affected,” read a statement by the Beijing-based bank. “Our hearts go out to all who are suffering.” The statement marks a rare acknowledgement by a Chinese government-linked institution that ‘war’ is indeed taking place in Ukraine, as opposed to Russia’s preferred term ‘special military operation.' Russia is a founding member of the regional investment bank in which China holds by far the most voting power — it is considered by some as a rival to the World Bank.
Well there's really nothing left to "account". Accounting firms KPMG and PwC to exit Russia https://www.yahoo.com/now/accounting-firms-kpmg-pwc-exit-223034357.html
Guess they won't be able to Netflix and Chill... Netflix suspends service in Russia amid Ukraine invasion https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/netflix-suspends-russia-service-ukraine-invasion
An argument could be made that netflix gives the Ruskies access to western values/culture for better or worse that is a threat to the Kremlin. You know there are those that argue that it was not all the Nato/American military power and threat that brought the Berlin Wall down. It was the east germans being able to listern to west german radio across the wall and all those I Love Lucy and Gilligan's Island reruns that gave them the wild and crazy idea that some people out there were actually laughing and having a good time at least a couple times of week. Ginger and Mary Ann probably destroyed more commie minds in east berlin than all the weapons. Netflix needs to be on the right side of history and russia is toxic. Just sayin that ruskies have always (and certainly Ukraine is the current Exhibit A) pretended that nato power is their threat but it is equally or moreso western culture.