I'm assuming they still have this tax system, but I remember when Putin put in a 15% (I THINK it was 15%) flat tax. Back when I read the WSJ every day, that article shocked me.
Right around the time he took over the media and press, he followed that up with his flat tax. For better or worse, it's really very simple.
I was looking at the "National Economy" numbers, and thought about that. I would also think "budgeting" for healthcare is ridiculous, as I'm sure lots of folks get crappy medical treatment when the budget runs out, not to mention the corruption and grifting from the 120, or so, oligarchs.
I still think the economy might be their downfall, which may not happen quickly, but the laws of economics don't give a **** about pride, ego, and emotion.