Russia Raises Interest Rates to 21% Amid Ongoing Economic Pressures from Ukraine Conflict

Russia’s central bank hiked interest rates to 21 percent, taking borrowing costs to their highest level in more than two decades as Moscow’s Ukraine offensive triggered rapid price rises at home. The increase takes rates to their highest level since 2003. Despite the high inflation and Western hopes sanctions would cripple the Russian economy, the Kremlin is set to ramp up military spending yet again next year. Analysts say Moscow has enough money to keep fighting in Ukraine for the foreseeable future.