[Goose]

Russia apparently raises interest rates to 21%.  Not enough workers to fill civilian jobs, men joining the army to get the higher and higher payouts Putin has to pay, making the situation worse. Food prices rising at around 9 %, wages do not seem to be rising commensurately unless you join the Army.  I would say the Russian economy has some major issues.

Indeed it does. These problems will only get worse and eventually will become unsustainable. Unfortunately things in Russia are nowhere near as bad (yet) economically as they were under Yeltsin. The Russian populace remembers that. Putin is getting lots of slack as the "least bad choice". Until that changes not much else will. Putin of course is counting on "victory" in Ukraine fairly rapidly restoring the status quo ante regarding sanctions and the oil/gas trade. If he turns out to be correct (which unfortunately is very possible) the rule-based system of international relations will be pretty much destroyed. Not at all good for the USA.

[Goose]

Russia apparently raises interest rates to 21%.  Not enough workers to fill civilian jobs, men joining the army to get the higher and higher payouts Putin has to pay, making the situation worse. Food prices rising at around 9 %, wages do not seem to be rising commensurately unless you join the Army.  I would say the Russian economy has some major issues.

Indeed it does. These problems will only get worse and eventually will become unsustainable. Unfortunately things in Russia are nowhere near as bad (yet) economically as they were under Yeltsin. The Russian populace remembers that. Putin is getting lots of slack as the "least bad choice". Until that changes not much else will. Putin of course is counting on "victory" in Ukraine fairly rapidly restoring the status quo ante regarding sanctions and the oil/gas trade. If he turns out to be correct (which unfortunately is very possible) the rule-based system of international relations will be pretty much destroyed. Not at all good for the USA.