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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 45273, member: 636"] Russia faces tough economic times despite earlier success against sanctions after attacking Ukraine. The country grew faster than major Western nations last year at 4.3 percent. Military spending drove this growth as Moscow redirected oil sales from Europe to China and India. The ruble gained over 40 percent to become the world's top currency this year. Officials claimed victory over Western punishment measures. Problems started showing up across Russian businesses and households recently. Prices jumped nearly 10 percent as the central bank raised interest rates to 20 percent. Companies cannot find enough workers because 2.6 million people left for war or fled the country. Money from oil and gas sales fell 35 percent compared to last year. The government struggles to pay for roads, railways and basic services. Russian factories cannot buy foreign technology they need for production. The car industry suffered major damage from import restrictions. European countries stopped buying Russian coal and plan to cut off gas purchases completely. Moscow borrowed heavily to fund military operations against Ukraine. Experts warn the economy might enter recession as spending outpaces income. Peace talks could ease pressure on Russian finances if leaders reach an agreement. American officials might restore business relationships under new leadership. European nations will likely keep their sanctions even after fighting stops. Russia cannot easily replace European gas customers with other buyers. The war will cost Moscow for many years regardless of how it ends. [/QUOTE]

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