Russia is experiencing a significant increase in butter prices, with the cost rising by over 25% this year, as reported by Bloomberg. This price hike is due in part to Western sanctions and the restructuring of supply chains, which have led to a decrease in butter imports and a reliance on countries like Belarus, India, and Iran. The rise in butter prices is just one aspect of Russia's economic challenges, as the country is also dealing with inflation, which reached 8.6% annually as of the latest data. This inflation is driven by factors such as a smaller harvest, reduced imports, and the overheating of the military economy. In response, the Bank of Russia has raised its key interest rate to a record high of 21%, indicating ongoing efforts to combat inflation.