Interesting FT piece (doesnt seem to be hidden behind a paywall), by Alexander #Gabuev suggesting that #Putin is preparing for an even bigger 'war :

https://www.ft.com/content/861a8955-924e-4d3e-8c59-73a13403e191

'Despite sanctions, the Kremlin’s war chest is still overflowing with cash, thanks to windfall energy profits last year and also to the adaptability of Russian commodities exporters, who have found new customers and who settle payments mostly in yuan' (cont.)

The addressee of this message is the Global South. For Alexander #Gabuev of Carnegie Foundation for International Peace (#CEIP), this is more than clear: "#China is making the peace proposal to portray itself as the only world power that is genuinely interested in peace. The proposal is formulated in very weak words that are unlikely to be helpful, but this plan will convince the Global South that Chinese side is the only one interested in #peace."