Russia has withstood the barrage of Western sanctions better than its adversaries had hoped. But some cracks are starting to appear. Russia's partial mobilization, announced on Wednesday, and plan to hold hasty referendums on four occupied Ukrainian territories joining Russia have been interpreted in the West as evidence that Moscow's war effort is being credibly challenged by Ukraine’s Nato-backed military. The energy war is also entering a critical phase: Russia’s “war premium” from higher oil and gas revenues is eroding, and pressure will increase with the planned introduction of EU oil sanctions from December. ... (full story)