Russian mobilization and falling oil prices weaken Putin’s economic hand

A costly mobilization of troops, falling energy prices and a new round of Western sanctions threaten to weigh on the already struggling Russian economy and undermine the financial foundations of President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

The economic storm clouds come as Mr Putin orders more financial resources for the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin’s decision to call in more than 300,000 troops will require new funds to equip, train and pay for the new reinforcements, analysts say. It has also caused disruption among Russian private companies, which face a new challenge as workers show up for work or flee the country.