sanctions have backfired on europe - russia swimming in cash, page-41

if you know anything about oil prices (including Urals), you would know one year ago, price of Brent was circa 75 dollars.

and Urals crude in contrast was under 70 dollars (trade at a discount to Brent) - and it was mainly due to speculation a war might start between Russian and Ukraine.

now, if you went further back Urals traded at an average of 40 dollars, 2 years ago.

currently (today), Urals is priced at 74 dollars, after the discount.

and during the last 6 months, it traded at an average of 80 dollars, after the discount.

only a fool who never understood the oil market would believe Russia is NOT making a bucket load of money from oil and gas, in the last 7 months.