Another Crack in the Ice

The echoes of history are what they are. Societies tend to repeat patterns. Now we see this one, which is not quite a shock. Yet, it will have some effects. Remember, Russian drinks are not a stereotype. They do. However, it’s gone down in recent years:

Has it happened? Putin and his hapless leaders have shot themselves in the foot.

In Russia, prices for vodka and cigarettes have increased since January 1, 2025. Now the cost of a 0.5 liter bottle of vodka will start at 349 rubles (was 299), brandy — from 472 rubles (was 403), cognac — from 651 rubles (was 556). The minimum prices for cigarettes have also increased — the cost of a pack cannot be lower than 135 rubles (was 129 rubles).

In 1981, at the end of the Brezhnev era, the USSR also sharply raised the prices of alcohol and cigarettes. And this was connected precisely with the Afghan war. The people immediately responded with a ditty:

Vodka became seven and eight -
We still won’t stop drinking.
Tell Ilyich,
We can handle 10.
But what if it’s twenty-five?
Revolution again!

It should be noted that Putin’s system follows in the footsteps of its ideological predecessors — the leaders of the USSR. The collapse of the Union took place after the protracted Afghan war and the fall in oil prices. And the increase in prices for affordable alcohol to…