Do you sincerely believe macroeconomics doesn’t affect the lives of ordinary people? Why do you think they scam their way over the border (usually by saying they’re visiting relatives or the like) and then raid the neatest grocery store for fresh fruit, vegetables, and so on, after which they fill as many jerry cans they can with gasoline and then finally buy all the ibuprofen and paracetamol etc they get?

Does that sound like things are going well for them? I’ve seen a guy with so many cucumbers that they literally spilt out of the top of his backpack.

Anyway, since I know both Russians, which I dislike, but that’s irrelevant, and I’ve dated a Ukrainian with relatives in Russia, I do have a good picture of things, yes. I’ve lost several good friends in Ukraine. I know from my a guy from my hometown who got his foot shot of.

I also get regular news from inside Russia via my father’s wife, who’s got her relatives stuck on the other side. I don’t particularly like her, but it I’d what it is. I can’t exactly post what she’s saying here, can I? Other than what I’ve already written.

I’m still wondering why you, in particular, are such an expert on all things Russian, especially if all you have to go to is third hand publications at best.

Come to Finland and have a look at the border, and you’ll quickly see how things are on the other side. They’re hurting, and they’re hurting badly. A few more weeks, maybe a month or two, and the fuel situation is going to be catastrophic. Not to mention things like prescription medicines and glasses, spare parts for everyday machines, and so on.

Yet, you seem to be absolutely sure you know better than anyone else.