00:00For nearly three years, Russia has waged a devastating war in Ukraine.
00:04Bombed cities, displaced millions, and countless lives lost,
00:08the cost has been immeasurable for Ukrainians.
00:11But now, the cost may be catching up to Russia.
00:14In response to Russia's aggression,
00:16the world united to impose unprecedented sanctions.
00:20Banks removed from SWIFT, oligarchs' assets frozen,
00:24and thousands of companies pulling out of Russia.
00:27Yet, for years, the Kremlin managed to weather the storm,
00:30bolstering defense spending and propping up the economy.
00:33But now, cracks are showing.
00:36By late 2024, the Russian ruble lost over half its value.
00:41Oil exports, once a lifeline, are dropping, down to $64 per barrel.
00:47Inflation is surging, and even Putin had to admit the economy is overheating.
00:52With 800,000 casualties from the war and mass conscription,
00:56factories are running at just 81% capacity.
00:59A labor shortage is choking production,
01:02and Western companies have abandoned the Russian market.
01:05The signs are clear.
01:07Sanctions are biting harder than ever.
01:09Rising inflation, a weak ruble, and declining trade spell trouble for Russia.
01:14Will this pressure force the Kremlin to rethink its war?
01:17The year ahead will test Putin's resolve and Russia's economy like never before.
01:22Stay tuned as we follow the story.
01:24Because 2025 might just be the year Russia feels the full freeze.
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