ussian dictator vladimir putin is now forced to acknowledge that sanctions are causing problems for russia’s economy, as their effects become increasingly evident to ordinary citizens.

▫️ During a meeting with government officials and kremlin representatives, putin referred to “difficulties and imbalances” resulting from Western sanctions. At the same time, he claimed that russia is supposedly building economic potential “under these challenging conditions,” citing official statistics that are noticeably at odds (https://t.me/TheCenterforCounteringDisinfo/7837) with reality.

▫️ These statements are part of putin’s attempt to deflect blame for economic issues onto the “enemies” who imposed sanctions on russia, sidestepping the fact that these restrictions were a response to his own decision to attack Ukraine.

russian authorities are losing control over the situation, leading them to shift their tone. Instead of outright denying the impact of sanctions, they now cautiously admit to economic harm, subtly preparing the russian public for worsening conditions.