As the New Year approaches, the mood in Russia isn’t quite as festive as it used to be. The ongoing war in Ukraine has cast a shadow over what should be a joyous time of celebration. Ordinary Russians are feeling the squeeze as the economy continues to struggle. Inflation is soaring, the ruble is plunging, and even basic goods have become harder to afford.
Mark Galeotti, a top expert on Russia, has warned that if the war drags on into 2025, President Putin will have to make tough choices between military spending and taking care of his people. It’s becoming clear that the effects of the war are being felt deeply by everyday Russians.
The price of traditional New Year’s foods, like the famous Olivier Salad, is skyrocketing. Key ingredients like potatoes, vegetables, and eggs have seen prices rise by over 30%. And if you were planning to buy champagne for your celebration, you might want to rethink that too. Cheap varieties are flying off the shelves as people try to stretch their budgets.
Even Moscow’s mayor confirmed that fireworks are being canceled this year, another sign of the tough times. Some families are now even worried about whether they’ll be able to afford their New Year’s feast.
With the economy in decline and everyday life getting harder, it seems that this New Year’s Eve in Russia won’t be the same as before – a reminder of just how deeply the war has impacted the country.
