Germany’s Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, was peddling these whoppers to his own government this week:
Western sanctions in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine are still taking a heavy toll on the Russian war machine. . . .The Russian economy is collapsing,” . . . adding that Germany had played its part here by reducing exports to Russia in March by 60%, with an even sharper fall expected in April.
The obvious question for any reporter with the brain power of a cretin would be, “what is the evidence that Russia’s economy is collapsing?” The truth is that all sectors are firing on all cylinders. Just because Germany has decided to commit economic hari kari by declining to purchase cheap Russian oil, does not mean that Russia is bleeding out financially. The Economist reported two weeks ago that Russia is running a record trade surplus
Yes, Russia is importing fewer Mercedes and BMWs via the open market. First, Russia is not dependent on having western luxury items filling western owned stores. Second, the Russian mafia is more than willing to fill the gap and obtain such goods via the black market. Seems like the West never learns.
Not sure the economy of Russia is collapsing but some facts based on interacting with people inside Russia and youtube channels from inside Russia.
1- Bussiness centers are empty
2- Unemployment is up
3- Shortage of machine parts, paper, eye solution, medicines
4- Those who are on pensions are doing fine. They are Putin supporters/ still love USSR
5- Sabotage is spreading nationwide. Even now the government is saying it’s natural but there are videos when people were just throwing inflammable material inside buildings.
6- The majority of Sabotage targets are Military establishments but now Businesses in Moscow and St.Petersberg.
7- Youngers generation is angry with Putin because of restrictions. Difficult to travel outside Russia.
8- Seniors are upbeat that they can beat NATO, USA, and Ukraine. Sanctions will force us to tighten our belts for a few years.
9. Outside cities, their kids are on the battlefield and they support the war because that’s their main income. They are poor and limited resources, to begin with. They are the least dependent on luxury and believe in propaganda.
10- GDP shrunk 18% last month. This is the official number. Its worse than that.
11. FSB officers are harassing some Americans who are in Moscow and married to Russians. Break their parked car. Piss on their entrance door. Follow them everywhere. Break into their apartment.
Is that it is summer, Germany is declaring that they will no longer buy oil from Russia. How brave of them /s