For example, the Kremlin is trying to keep the ruble exchange rate below 100 rubles per dollar, but after 17 March, the ruble will begin to return to a realistic level. Former Russian energy minister and opposition leader Volodymyr Milov told 24 Kanal about this, adding that the Kremlin is also trying to keep prices down.
After the election, Russia’s economy may begin to crumble
Thus, in Russia, the production of gasoline has decreased significantly, in particular due to “explosions” at local oil refineries. Accordingly, wholesale gasoline prices have increased by 35% since the beginning of the year, but this is not yet reflected in retail prices, because they are being held until the election of Vladimir Putin. According to Milov, after March 17, Russia will see a massive surge in prices for a wide variety of items.
Then the central bank will be forced under pressure to raise the interest rate even more. This, in turn, will hit demand and the economy even more, and will “undercut” its recovery in general.
The Kremlin is running out of money
Lithuanian intelligence assessed the possibility of Russia fighting at the current rate for another 2 years. The tension in Russia will grow and at the end of these 2 years, the challenge that the Kremlin will not be able to continue a war of such intensity will be very strong. According to Milov, the Kremlin is already running out of money – in 2 months of 2024, the budget deficit almost equalled the planned deficit for the entire year.
At the same time, military production reaches a plateau. In Russia, the opportunity to greatly increase the production of weapons, equipment, and ammunition is running out. This is also visible at the front when they produce old, unmodernized tanks. Moreover, about 5 trillion rubles remained in the national welfare fund, which is less than half of the annual military budget.
“We are approaching a situation where only an emergency reserve remains in their financial “stockpile”. So whether for a year or two (Russia will be able to fight with such intensity – 24 Kanal) – we don’t know for sure, but we can see that Russia is approaching some limit. For now, Putin can continue hostilities with such intensity, but not for long. This process is already noticeable,” said Milov.
Oksana Kharkivska
24 канал
