Egg crisis cracks Russia: Putin failing to fulfill promises in wake of Ukraine war fallout
There are long lines across Russia due to a shortage of eggs. This essential food item symbolizes the changes that have affected ordinary citizens since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Putin apologized in December for the crisis and the frequent lack of goods.
5:24 AM EST, January 21, 2024
Putin quickly found scapegoats and ordered their punishment, assuring viewers that things would get better. However, he seems to have been mistaken. Despite Russian authorities recently asking Kazakhstan for help with a purchase of 1.2 billion eggs, Russia is once again experiencing a crisis. Eggs are in short supply and expensive, and extensive queues exist throughout the country.
This is due to sanctions, poor planning, and emerging issues within the Russian economy.
Domestic egg producers cannot meet the market demand, reasonable prices are soaring, and Putin is considering how to deal with this problem. His ministers turned to Kazakhstan for help, hoping they could supply eggs. Russians need around 1.2 billion eggs immediately. Kazakhstan, of course, promised to help.
However, before the eggs arrive in border areas and are distributed in shops and markets across the country, it might take a few weeks. By then, people will still be standing in lines at multiple locations, complaining about the state of affairs and coping as egg prices shatter records. Prices have increased by fifty percent since the start of 2023, and eggs are disappearing from the shops.
This is not the reputation that Vladimir Putin hoped for ahead of the elections.
The egg shortage is still massive, and stocks are running out quickly. Putin sought help from Alexander Lukashenko, who promised to assist. However, the problem didn't end there. Moscow requested Turkey's help in December, and now it's turning to Kazakhstan, asking for an immediate increase in egg supply. This problem is just the tip of the iceberg.
At the end of last year, there were shortages in eggs, chicken, and fish. This has surprised many Russians, as the long lines reminiscent of the USSR era and the early years following its collapse have returned.
Russians are not used to goods being scarce in shops. Since the war broke out, they have grappled with the rising cost of living, with some food products increasing in price by 20, 30, and sometimes even 50 percent. Basic supplies like eggs, chicken, and fish have become a luxury. If the authorities in Moscow can't resolve the situation, Putin will face problems.
This situation occurs all over Russia, from Moscow and Petersburg to Saratov, Kazan, and Vladivostok.
