When people talk about Russia's way of life and an alleged disaster that Putin has caused for the country, it's pretty evident that they have never seen Russia in the 90s or know first hand the shithole Putin has inherited from the devastation caused by Yeltsin.
Let's examine some of the aspects of the transformation that Russia has gone through during his reign:
Over 17 years, Putin increased Russia’s budget by 22 times, military spending by 30 times, GDP (PPP) from 36th to 6th place in the world.
Increased gold and foreign exchange reserves by 48 times!
Returned 256 mineral deposits to Russian jurisdiction (3 left to return).
Tore up the most enslaving “liberal” production sharing agreements in history - PSA. The PSA is an agreement under which America has been robbing Russia since the 90s for loans that Yeltsin had been given.
Nationalized 65% of the oil industry and 95% of the gas industry, as well as metals and nuclear industries.
Improved industry and agriculture. Russia used to import grain when people consumed 30% less calories than they do today and now Russia has been ranked 2nd-3rd in the world in grain exports for 5 years in a row, overtaking the USA and is one of the major meat exporters as well.
Increased average salaries in the public sector by 18.5 times over 12 years.
Reduced the extinction of the Russian population from 1.5 million people per year in 1999 to 30,000 growth by 2014. It has been fluctuating since due to imposed sanctions, but it's still 70+ times better than in 1999.
Increased male life expectancy from 57.9 to 67 years, after devastating program to reduce it developed by Anders Aslund in the 90s.
Took Russia down to 36th place from top 10 most drinking nations per capita in the world measured in liters of pure alcohol consumed per year, destroying the old stereotype of Russia being the nation of alcoholics.
Canceled the Khasavyurt agreement - which defended the integrity of Russia, gave publicity to NGOs - the 5th column and prohibited deputies from having accounts abroad.
Most importantly, Putin has kept Russia sovereign and once again put it on the map of major geopolitical powers. And now, not without the help of inept Western leaders, Russia is one of the headliners for building a new fair and mutually beneficial world ruled by the real international law, rather than the so-called "rules based order".
