Russia's soaring food prices have intensified pressure on Putin's government to maintain social stability

Soaring food prices in Russia are increasing pressure on President Vladimir Putin to balance military goals with social stability at home.

According to data released Thursday by Russia's Federal Statistics service, the price of a kilogram of potatoes has risen by at least 73 percent since the start of the year, while the price of butter has also risen by more than 30 percent. The price of vegetables such as Onions and beets has also risen by more than 20 per cent, while sour cream, milk, bread and fish are 12-15 per cent more expensive than last year.

The analysis pointed out that some of the price increases were closely related to the Russian-Ukrainian war, which led to a surge in living expenses of Russian families and further aggravated economic pressure. Tatiana, a Russian citizen from the city of Kirov, said food now accounts for two-thirds of her pension, up from about half before, forcing her to almost stop buying expensive goods like imported fruit.

The central bank also faces serious challenges. In October, the central bank raised its key interest rate to a record high of 21%. "Inflation risks remain clearly skewed to the upside," the central bank said, forecasting inflation of 8-8.5 per cent this year.

As the situation in Russia and Ukraine continues to deteriorate, officials from relevant departments such as the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and the Prosecutor General's Office have begun to deal with the problem of rising prices. Prosecutor General Krasnov has opened an investigation into price increases by milk producers. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin instructed the Agriculture Ministry to ensure the supply of fruits and vegetables, while Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Patrushev ordered daily monitoring of food markets and measures to stabilize prices.

"These measures are really an attempt to blame the problem of food prices on producers and traders, rather than on the consequences of the war between Russia and Ukraine," said Andrey Inozentsev, special adviser to the Middle East Media Research Institute.

"In 2007, when butter prices were rising faster than now, the government did not show such concern," Mr Inozentsev added.