I understand russian and I think this is the first time, how I've seen #putin having to explain himself in front of economical leaders in russia. Of course their spokesman is talking about all kinds of measures, that they have prepared for this "kind of situation". However, he is openly admitting, that russia has to search for new trading partners and exporteurs in other parts of the world, replacing the western counterparts. Especially regarding medicine, it technology, etc! This is clearly the #end. And this is good, as there are many better candidates in russia for presidency, #freenavalny !
Except UK, Russia is still part of SWIFT. Imo the economic sanction is far too little and too soft. And besides Russia is not that concerned about economic sanctions tbh, especially that it has "no 'forbidden' areas of cooperation," from China https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...nsion-moscow-backs-beijing-taiwan-2022-02-04/, the second-largest economy in the world as its ATM machine. And China has been true on its promise: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-...e-crisis-deepens-china-lifts-all-wheat-import. So if the West really wants to punish Russia for this invasion, it needs to sanction China too. No more "Made in China" products in Walmart or Costco.
Russian people are tough. Maybe this will push Russia to be more self-reliant which will make it stronger long term. To be clear, I am not supporting it’s actions, just saying it’s far from the end.
Putin and the Kremlin is making life much harder for the common man and even the elite in Russia, but I suppose nobody dares to defy him.
I'm going to take a flying leap and say that the governments' handling of the pandemic will have harmed their citizens more than any Russian invasion would do (aside from Ukraine citizens)