Part 2/10:
Historically, revenue from oil and gas exports has contributed between 30% to 50% of Russia's federal income. The role these resources play extends beyond mere financial metrics; they underpin vast sectors of the economy and influence the livelihood of many ordinary Russians, even those not directly employed in the energy sector. Such economic dependence has led to the figurative description of Russia as "merely a gas station masquerading as a country." While this characterization may imply a simpler view of Russia's complexity, it highlights a clear vulnerability—an overreliance on energy sales.