I said:" a continuation of the USSR economic meltdown" brought about by a combo of US economic sanctions and the USSR uber spend in the Cold War arms race and a State Capitalist Command Economy.
Will that happen again?
IMO no, because Russia has learned and it is now well cashed up with oil & gas exports and relatively low debt vis-a-vis OECD countries and different economic structure probably closer to that of China than the original USSR.
Again, IMO, the old saying is relevant here : "what doesn't kill you (Russia) , makes you (Russia) stronger .
PS it will be interesting to see how Putin fares at the upcoming "election"
I guess if Russia was officially at war with the Ukraine , there would be no "election" just as the Ukraine has suspended its election due to war.
And given that Andy is missing in action, let me say that I'm neutral on this war and, IMO , war generally is the problem...not the solution.
Eventually when all participants have suffered (both physical and economic) enough they will come to their senses and agree to a negotiated settlement because at present this war is a stalemate and likely so into the foreseeable future, IMO while the slaughter continues.
