I found this Russian FB page. Most posts are the deification of Putin. He pets wild animals and pilots fighter jets. Another theme is making fun of the sanctions, how that's the best the west and the US can do. Then, I watched a video link. Near the beginning, it said, stop the sanctions.
I think the fact that they are talking about the sanctions this way means it is hurting.
1/3 of all Russian retail outlets have closed. Now that the Ruble has stabilized at around 55-57 per USD or half its pre sanction/oil drop value, prices are about caught up with the new value and average Russians can now only buy half of what they could last year. Their pay stayed the same.
Despite the economic pain, many foolish Russians still love the man who is choosing the path to financial destruction
I have inlaws in russia and a sister inlaw that just had a baby . Things are not so bad and retail shops are all open ... i know west want things to be bad i hate to disapoint you . My retired inlaws will still be able to afford to visit aust next year .
Crimea phone system is up and down. I am surprised that Danny has given one description of the difficulties in Crimea without a political tirade. Crimea will be as screwed as Cuba.. The airport is closed to free travel and travel to Ukraine is via a 4 kilometer demilitarized zone that must be walked. The people are becoming depressed emotionally regardless of allegiance.
Just as in neighboring Russia, Ukraine's police corps was perceived as chronically extorting bribes and harassing citizens.
The new officers' average monthly pay of between 7,000 to 10,000 hryvnias ($320-to-$450) may seem modest but it is still higher than the average Kiev salary of 6,000 hryvnia.