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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempts to enforce an anti-Western agenda by banning foreign words, foreign-made cars, and Western technology have faced resistance from Russian officials. Despite Putin’s declarations, officials have been seen using foreign-made vehicles, including luxury brands like Mercedes. Recent reports indicate that Russian government agencies allocated over 53 million rubles (0,000) for foreign cars just one week after Putin’s order to stop using them.

Furthermore, Russian officials in various ministries, including defense and agriculture, have continued to use Apple products, despite the ban issued in July. This defiance comes at a sensitive time for Putin, as his war on Ukraine continues without signs of resolution, and Western powers maintain economic sanctions against Russia.

The dependence on Western technology poses practical and political challenges for Russia. With foreign goods becoming less accessible due to sanctions and capital flight, the order to stop using foreign cars and Apple products is difficult to implement. Russia’s car market has suffered greatly, with production dropping 67% last year. Domestic producers are unable to fill the gap left by foreign firms.

Additionally, Russia struggles to meet the demands of its telecommunications market. While Moscow can produce smartphones, it lacks an effective standalone operating system. The attempt to develop a Russian operating system, called Aurora, has been costly and unsuccessful thus far.

Putin’s authority has been shaken by recent events, such as the Wagner mutiny in June. The slow response from Russian authorities and the cracks in autocratic power structures indicate potential weakening of Putin’s grip on power.

In conclusion, Putin’s orders to eliminate foreign cars and technology face significant challenges due to the lack of viable alternatives within Russia. The resistance from officials and the economic difficulties faced by the country highlight the limitations of Putin’s anti-Western crusade.

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