Russia's economy continues to perform poorly with the cost of essential items such as potatoes at record levels.

War experts believe Moscow is planning a summer offensive in Ukraine. Economic and military pressures closer to home could end up pushing Moscow into peace talks. A slowdown in inflation, declining industrial output and consumer spending all point to a slowdown in the Russian economy.

Russia's stock market took a sharp dive following President Donald Trump 's jibe that Vladimir Putin was "crazy" and threatening new sanctions. Vasily Astrov, an expert on Russia's economy, told Newsweek Tuesday that Trump makes contradictory comments on Russia almost daily, which causes stock market volatility.

The 1998 crisis worsened the situation, as a global recession and falling commodity prices led to fiscal imbalances and doubts about Russia’s ability to service its debt and uphold the fixed exchange rate. The central bank raised interest rates to 150% to try and stabilise the rouble, but this failed.

UK sanctions, joint patrols and drone defences are stepping up pressure in the High North, as experts warn Moscow's strategy ties Arctic dominance to its economic future.

After delaying an earlier ultimatum, the European Union has passed a new sanctions package against Russia. The sanctions come as a result of Russia rejecting plans for a 30-day ceasefire that the US,

After an unprecedented three-day wave of Russian aerial attacks in Ukraine over the weekend, the world is once again looking to U.S. President Donald Trump to take his first steps toward forcing Moscow to end its violence.