Vladimir Putin is facing growing discontent from Russian businesses as sanctions begin to bite amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The UK's Ministry of Defence has noted: "Criticism of high interest rates is growing amongst Russian business.

With soaring inflation and the ruble dropping to one of its lowest levels against the dollar since President Vladimir Putin launched his war in Ukraine, this year Russians will have to pay more for the dish, which is traditionally served alongside caviar and tangerines, before the New Year is toasted in.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is “strong and unpredictable” and those qualities can be a decisive factor in his policy approach to Russia’s invasion of