Only shock sanctions will affect the Russians, who adapt fast to falling quality of life

He shared this information with Espreso TV. 

"Over the past 12 months, Russians have bought 10% less goods than last year, and their wages have actually decreased by 4.5%. For them, a 5-10% change in the standard of living is nothing, because they adapt very quickly", he noted.

In his opinion, the main strength of the Russian Federation is poverty, and the poorer they are, the more they love the government.

"The West cannot understand that only shock sanctions are in effect. If the standard of living of Russians fell by 35-40% in 1-2 months, they would not be able to adapt, and then the tsar or president becomes bad. And if they live 1-2% worse every month, they even will adapt to the level when they will have not enough to eat. They will be satisfied and happy with this war. Sanctions should take into account the psychology of the Russian people. This is really a phenomenon", the economist concluded.