Russians struggle to buy food

Four out of 10 Russians are so badly off they are struggling to feed themselves and their families, an independent poll has found.

The survey, by the independent Levada Centre, also found half of the population was often unable to afford new clothes and shoes.

Although Moscow and St Petersburg are relatively wealthy cities, poverty is deep-rooted in many Russian regions.

On Tuesday President Putin signed off handouts of 10,000 roubles (£100) for pensioners and 15,000 roubles for military personnel after next month’s parliamentary elections.

Putin said planned social spending was no longer sufficient to cover annual 6.5% inflation.