Russians to ‘finally feel the impact’ of war as economic failings ‘setting Russia back’ | World | News

“Therefore, other parts of Russia’s budget are likely to come under increasing pressure to support the costs of the war.”

Russia’s recent report confirmed its military spending had rocketed up 59 percent to 3.12 trillion roubles compared to the same period last year.

The monthly figures are the first since the west introduced a price cap and embargo on Russian oil last December.

Western countries have organised a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian crude oil and put ceilings on refined oil products such as diesel fuel and gasoline.

Many fear Russia’s spring offensive is imminent as Russian shelling in eastern Ukraine has slowed down in recent days. Local Ukrainian politicians have said Russia is “saving ammunition for a large-scale offensive”.

Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai said he believed that after February 15, the Ukrainian forces could “expect at any time” the spring offensive to begin.