‘This job simply cannot be done sober’ As the war rages on, Russian officials’ alcohol consumption is reaching new heights — Meduza
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How do members of Russia’s bureaucratic apparatus deal with the stress of waging a war? With their remedy of choice — alcohol. The independent outlet Verstka recently published a report about the drinking habits of Russia’s government officials, including their preferred type of vodka and whether Putin himself drinks at all. Meduza in English is publishing an abridged translation of the story.

In Russia, deputy governors or higher rank close to the Kremlin, in the Federal Assembly, and regional authorities drink on a regular basis. “They frequently miss meetings, show up drunk to events, and take illicit substances,” said one source. “Now, more than ever, employees in the president’s administration start their day with a glass of vodka — some even drink a bottle with breakfast."