Putin’s New Tax Burden Strangles Russian Small Businesses Amid Wartime Economic Strain

Denis Maksimov’s bakery, Mashenka, captured attention not just for its goods but for a bold plea broadcast nationwide: a small business owner begging President Vladimir Putin to reconsider onerous new tax policies choking Russia’s entrepreneurial backbone. His story echoes across the nation as many small businesses face an existential crisis under Kremlin-imposed wartime tax hikes.Is Russia Sacrificing Its Economic Backbone for a Dying War Effort?For four years, Russia has waged an unprovoked war against Ukraine that has drained its economy and isolated it from global markets. Now, with oil revenues shrinking and budget deficits widening, the Kremlin turns to ordinary...