Caps vodka prices
Putin calls for his government to cap rising vodka prices amid fears that sharp price inflation will drive people to drink illegal liquor. According to a leading university study last year, 25% of Russian men die before reaching their mid-50s, and alcohol was found to be a contributing factor in some of these early deaths. Since last year, the government-regulated minimum price of half a litre (17 oz) of vodka has increased by around 30% to 220 roubles ($4.10; £2.64). Annual inflation in Russia is currently at 9.4%.