Oh, guess who is back. We haven't seen you for a while, probably since shameful retreat of Russians from Kherson. It was a bit boring without you, it would be interesting to read your insights about it.
And I, in turn, got bored with the topic of Ukraine, at least against the backdrop of the recent World Cup.
Sanctions went almost painlessly? It's same like "special operation" goes as planned.
Yep, almost painless. It seems that Europe suffers from anti-Russian sanctions much more than Russia. For "twice torn to shreds" the Russian economy feels just fine.
Not at all.
For a country in the BRICS group, anything less than growing the GDP by 5% is an absolute failure - which is the case. But that is only the short term. I wonder if RF is counting on China buying their oil and gas, because others will think twice before trusting the crazy Ivans.
Curious to know the source of this statement, where did you get it from?
There are several sources and estimates between a drop of 4% and 1%, just google a bit if you need to. It is all right if you want to deny and all that, the economy does not care for it - in the end, people loose their employment, investment is reduced and everyone is worse off. Congrats on the "victory".
https://www.reuters.com/markets/russias-more-gradual-economic-contraction-extend-into-2023-2022-12-02/#:~:text=MOSCOW%2C%20Dec%202%20(Reuters),room%20to%20cut%20interest%20rates.MOSCOW, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Russia's economy is set to shrink by 2.5% next year, on top of a 3% contraction in 2022, a Reuters poll suggested on Friday, with stubbornly high inflation giving the central bank only limited room to cut interest rates.
Russia's economic landscape changed drastically after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, triggering sweeping Western restrictions on its energy and financial sectors, including a partial freeze of Russian reserves, and leading scores of companies to exit the market.
BTW, again the smoking habits of the RF soldiers has causes problems in their most valued assets. I wonder if there may be also smoking near power production plants in the future.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-12/russia-s-only-aircraft-carrier-stricken-by-fire-in-latest-mishapRussias Only Aircraft Carrier Hit by Fire in Latest Mishap
Blaze started during repair work on Admiral Kuznetsov. Originally built by Soviets, ship had long suffered problems