Which Russians should we compare to? 1941? Or, 1991? Or, 1917?
That said, to some degree I agree that Putin and his gang will wring the last ruble they can out of the Russian population, to stay in power. Further, economic sanctions usually harm the sanctioner(s) too: In this case the most likely result would be increased inflation, so, numerous Western Governments, including Trump’s, would be at serious risk if truly effective economic sanctions were imposed.
Ukraine’s solution is to take out Russia’s distillation towers. Lacking certain 30+ year old US tech, but working well in other aspects, this campaign is gradually but overall pretty steadily cutting into Russia’s refined oil products supply. Russia has a large export margin, so, it will take a few months for shortages to become critical. Ukraine only needs to keep the hits coming faster than Russia can effect repairs, and so far, the numbers say that is a pretty safe bet, and accelerating. The drone tech is only going to get better.
This is a problem Putin can’t fix with Rubles or reputed Russian toughness. It is a physical problem: Without refined products, large countries cannot function. Any, and particularly Russia with its vast size, would literally grind to a halt.
Putin “could” turn to nukes to level Ukraine, but that likely leads to a general nuclear war. A cease fire and negotiating, seriously, while Trump is in office, becomes Putin’s best option. The sooner the better, for Russia.
That said, to some degree I agree that Putin and his gang will wring the last ruble they can out of the Russian population,
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You are ill informed. Russia’s taxes on their citizens is very low compared to the West, especially the EU. EU citizens are the highest taxed on the planet, losing up to 48 per of their incomes….and increasing due to their war….the EU is broke, and their war is pushing them into default as witnessed by France and England now negotiating with the IMF for a bailout.
From AI:
“ In Russia, citizens are subject to a personal income tax rate of 13% on their earnings, which includes income from labor, pensions, interest, and dividends. The tax system also includes various federal, regional, and local taxes, with the overall tax structure governed by the Russian Tax Code...”
When I was working in Moscow, I marveled at their tax structure, a flat 13 percent was taken from their salaries by the employer. Simple easy, no need to spend hours filling out forms, paying CPA’s, etc…with free health care ( doctors still make house calls). Those not happy, can buy medical insurance, 5 percent do.
There are flaws, but most definitely not as portrayed by the Russia bashers.