Reuters today carried an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the Russian economy, in the face of the all-out financial warfare being waged against that country.
“The speed with which Russia has unplugged from the developed world is breathtaking. Economic sanctions and public outrage are compelling big companies like Apple, Nike and Ikea to halt Russian sales. Shipping groups have suspended container traffic while international air travel has stopped. Oil giants and global accounting firms are pulling out.”
The article then provides targeting for the next wave of financial attacks. “Financial sanctions imposed by America, Europe and Japan exposed big weaknesses in Putin’s economic defenses, disabling [read “stealing’’—ed.] as much as half the country’s $630 billion stash of foreign exchange reserves and triggering a run on the ruble.”
However, Reuters notes, “Putin and his officials have responded by preventing capital from leaving the country, abruptly severing intricate financial links….
