[anovikov]

In a way yes. Because running out of money will mean running out of people faster as they will use cheaper simpler tech that increases their casualty rate.

Let's face it: Russia can't stop, their whole society is war-oriented and stopping means catastrophe even if they stop by winning.

[tim333]

Russia as a whole would be fine stopping. Putin less so. Maybe they'll get rid of him one day?

[anovikov]

Not really. Except Moscow and St. Pete and a few oil-rich boomtowns, the rest of Russia never enjoyed living standards as high as today that only exist because of war economy jobs, war-induced worker shortage in the private sector, and money sent back home by those fighting at the frontline. Even industries far away from this domain, win: coder pay is amazing because there's acute shortage just because too many of them emigrated being afraid of conscription.

Even more importantly, everyday Russian, living in a petrostate economy, always felt redundant and useless because he knew Putin doesn't need him: he's little but an extra mouth to feed, wholly dependent on Putin's kindness. In the last 4 years, for the first time ever, Putin needs everyday little guy because war isn't going to win itself and just Chechens are not enough. They are legitimately afraid of being pushed back into irrelevance if the war ever ends. So are naturally interested in continuing regardless of how well it goes.

[tim333]

Russia did ok before the 2022 invasion. I'm kind of surprised Russians don't have another revolution and join the modern world. I mean I watch things like https://x.com/ChrisO_wiki/status/1996684184010870831 about how they are treated and wonder how they put up with it.