As Russian forces press their attacks all along the 800-mile front line of Russia’s 33-month wider war on Ukraine, a new recruit in the Russian armed forces has a one-month life expectancy after signing his contract, according to Estonian analyst Artur Rehi.

Russia’s rouble has plunged to its lowest rate against the dollar since the early weeks of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the wake of new western sanctions and growing geopolitical tensions. The rouble on Wednesday hit 110 against the dollar for the first time since 16 March 2022.