In Russia, the new year will kick off with price increases — the value-added tax (VAT) will jump from 18 to 20 percent. Among other things, the government hopes that this will at least partially compensate for cuts made to the health and education systems.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Deutsche Welle: Russia and Ukraine in 2019 – More conflict ahead?
An Ukrainian army reservist rides a tank during military exercises in the Army Training Center near the village of Desna, Chernigiv region, on Dec. 19, 2018.
