In late-2024 Russian stores face an odd crime wave - people stealing butter (which now sits in special anti-theft boxes or behind counters). Security reports show about 50 butter-related thefts happening weekly since oct
The economic situation shows troubling signs: interest rates hit 21%; the rouble dropped one-third of its worth since aug‚ and on wed the currency fell 8‚5% in just hours. Housing experts point to market problems‚ while media outlets describe currency trading as a “war-zone“
Rising prices are really painful
Vladimir Putinʼs military-focused economy creates new problems: factories work non-stop making weapons‚ while army sign-up bonuses (worth 15k pounds) draw workers away from regular jobs. Some companies bring workers from India; others ask to use prison labor
The sanctions impact shows through weird ways: in Kazanʼs irish pub‚ local guy Denis had to switch from guinness to russian beer because import prices doubled. Last year eggs cost too much; now its butter thats out-of-reach for many people
- Butter prices grow every week
- Stores need special security for dairy products
- Government brings emergency supplies from neighbors
- Media gets orders to write calm reports
The situation makes some think Putin might need to stop his ukraine plans - the failing economy could push him towards talks‚ but nobody knows for sure