TRUMP VERSUS PUTIN
As a smart investor and independent analyst, I believe Vladimir Putin's Russia is more vulnerable to Trump's trade war than it appears. Despite avoiding "Liberation Day" tariffs, Russia's economy remains heavily dependent on oil, which is its Achilles' heel. With crude prices plummeting to below $55 a barrel, the Kremlin faces significant budget shortfalls. Oil and gas account for around a third of Russia's state revenue, and sustained low prices could nearly double the country's deficit. Trump's trade policies, particularly the impact on global oil prices, pose a substantial threat to Russia's economic stability. The potential for a "tsunami" of economic challenges, as described by J.P. Morgan analysts, could force Putin to reassess his war strategy in Ukraine. With the oil industry's multiplier effect on the broader economy, Russia's economic woes could deepen, leading to stagnation or even collapse. Investors should closely monitor the situation, as developments in Russia's economy and the global oil market may have significant implications for investment decisions.