Russian President Vladimir Putin is systematically destroying his country. His war in Ukraine, which he himself initiated, is an economic, financial, geopolitical, and human disaster for Russia, which worsens day by day.
For personal reasons, American President Donald Trump, another national threat, offered a “helping hand” last week. However, Putin rejected the offer. The two deserve each other, says Simon Tisdall, a columnist for The Guardian.
The peace proposal, discussed in the Russian capital, would have involved major territorial concessions in favor of Russia, the restriction of Ukraine’s independence, and the reduction of its defense capabilities. If imposed, the offer would have divided the United States and Europe, undermined NATO’s functioning, and relieved pressure on the Russian economy, internationally isolated. The government in Kiev would most likely have been destabilized.
These are the central objectives of the Kremlin. Nevertheless, Putin refused the agreement, convinced that he can achieve more by continuing the conflict. According to Trump’s team, the American leader has taken up the idea that a Russian victory is inevitable, and Europeans would be responsible for prolonging hostilities. The facts, however, contradict this premise: nearly four years after the launch of the large-scale invasion, Russia remains stuck in Donbas, and internal pressure is increasing.
Russia’s Problems Are Growing
After two periods of economic growth based on military spending, Russia is now facing a 27% decrease in oil and gas revenues – which represent almost half of the state budget. Inflation exceeds 8%, interest rates are high, and the budget deficit continues to grow. More than half of the sovereign liquid fund has been used since the beginning of the war, major state companies are facing massive debts, foreign investments are plummeting, and the import costs for strategic products have increased by 122%. Even consumer products are more expensive – vodka prices, for example, have risen by 5%.
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