Putin Braces For Questions On How To War And Eat Pasta Simultaneously

KEY POINTS

•Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his annual Q&A amid rising unrest over the war and economy.
•A poll found 20% of Russians would ask about the war’s end and 16% about their deteriorating living standards.
•Putin’s defense spending grows while inflation and sanctions continue squeezing ordinary Russians’ wallets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up for his annual 'Direct Line' Q&A on Friday, hoping to dodge pandemic-level questions on the Ukraine war and Russia’s tanked economy. A Levada Center poll of 1,608 suffering Russians put 'When will the war end?' first with 20%, and 'How do we survive on tiny pensions and salaries?' just behind at 16%. Inflation seems to be Russia’s unwelcome houseguest as price hikes and sanctions chew through wallets, even as the Kremlin doubles down on defense spending that’s piping hot compared to anything social services can offer. Last year, Putin blamed both the central bank and prime minister for gasping inflation like a reality show villain avoiding blame. With war fatigue mounting almost four years after February 2022's Crimea sequel, Russians politely (and not so politely) await the Kremlin’s script on whether ketchup expenses will outlast missiles.