Post Aavo9nhl3ST4GdEPfk by markstoneman@zirk.us
 (DIR) More posts by markstoneman@zirk.us
 (DIR) Post #Aave6cFUBzQKKJqlwe by anderspuck@krigskunst.social
       2023-10-19T13:06:02Z
       
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       “By staking everything on rising military expenditure, the Kremlin is forcing the economy into the snare of perpetual war. On the one hand, that means it will be increasingly difficult for the state to continue financing the fighting in Ukraine without causing living standards to deteriorate. On the other, if there is a reduction in military spending, it will inevitably lead to a significant structural shock that will take considerable time to overcome.”#Russia https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/10/18/russias-2024-budget-shows-its-planning-for-a-long-war-in-ukraine-a82814
       
 (DIR) Post #AavemOIYRyoLDrCnJI by Paladin@mastodon.nu
       2023-10-19T13:13:32Z
       
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       @anderspuck But there is no war, just a Special Operation...They must make another hugely popular mobilization after the 'election'.
       
 (DIR) Post #AavgYyYv1bcFXzaffU by t_mkdf@ruhr.social
       2023-10-19T13:33:29Z
       
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       @anderspuck they are squaring the circle.I suppose they don't care much for the living standards. Except for Moscow and St. Petersburg. I wonder what would stir more discontent there. More money mobilization or mich lower standards of living for the middle classes?
       
 (DIR) Post #Aavl39cSsXJmLQtXBA by chowderman@universeodon.com
       2023-10-19T14:23:46Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @anderspuck Thank you Anders.So Putin can’t end the war, even if he wanted to.It appears that politically and economically Russia will be at war, or preparing for war, for as long as the current elite is in power.At least Europe (if it stands firm) stands a chance of constraining the horde, the Russian population is stuck with misery.
       
 (DIR) Post #Aavo9nhl3ST4GdEPfk by markstoneman@zirk.us
       2023-10-19T14:58:16Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @anderspuck I believe Mark Galeotti talked about the budget earlier this fall in his "Inside Russia" podcast. The percentage made me wonder how the country could sustain the war over the long haul. When you factor in corruption, the whole system will be extracting an enormous amount of value without contributing anything to the society. And how much can they extract from the territories they've ruined?
       
 (DIR) Post #AcfZpiz3vi0W3ZLbgO by RTD8450@mastodon.social
       2023-12-10T14:46:55Z
       
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       @anderspuck - Listened with interest to your recent YouTube assessment of the Ukraine war. BUT.'Wondering why Putin would care much, if at all, for his "political appearance" in advance of the soon-to-be Russian "election" - quotes intentional.From this POV - Canada - he cannot BUT win any "election" - one candidate is impossible to defeat - PLUS he controls the entire "narrative" for information - certainly never-to-be-seen as" news" in Russia. Your thoughts, as always, are welcomed.