Russia Ukraine war, page-206114

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.