Not only the key rate figure is important here, but the fact that Russia is now in the phase of reducing the key rate, trying to weaken the ruble from excessive strengthening, and the West is in the phase of raising the key rate, trying to cope with rising inflation. And this is a great tactical advantage for Russia, because lowering the rate is easy and pleasant, but raising the rate is painful - given the large debt load of Western countries and inflated bubbles in the stock markets.

EU oil embargo? Besides Hungary and pipeline oil? An attempt by the European Union to put a good face on a bad game, so as not to lose face.