Part 3/16:
In response, Russia is resorting to importing gasoline from abroad, notably from China, a move that signals desperation. Historically, Russia has been a major energy exporter, relying heavily on oil and natural gas revenues to sustain its economy. These exports fund most public and private income, support local communities, and underpin Russia’s broader economic health. Now, sanctions and infrastructure damage have drastically reduced export capacity, forcing Russia to buy back refined fuels at inflated prices, especially from China, which exploits Russia's vulnerability—purchasing cheap Russian energy and selling it back at a profit.