As you may have heard in the news recently, relations between the United States and Russia are not on the best of terms. Since Russian forces invaded Eastern Ukraine and sanctions were imposed, prices on practically everything in the former Soviet Union have been soaring - except for vodka, which has actually dropped in price.

I should point out, before you go and label me a 'commie lover', the only reason this story caught my attention is because A: I occasionally like to partake in a good stout vodka martini, and B: I have a little bit of Russian lineage in my family tree (which must be where my temper comes from).

Even though prices on most things over there have skyrocketed, the government (aka Putin) has decided to reduce the price of vodka a whooping 16 percent, to a mere 185 rubles. That figures out to be roughly two-and-a-half dollars for a pint of vodka. Not a bad price if I do say so myself.

The reason for the price drop - according to a government spokesperson - is to encourage Russians to stop drinking homemade hooch, which has become quite popular recently. In order to save a few rubles, folks have been firing up grandpa's old 'distilling apparatus' in the basement.

However, after giving this some serious thought - and thinking how good a vodka martini would taste right about now - you don't suppose there's an ulterior motive for the Kremlin doing this do you? With the economy tanking, perhaps Putin is thinking a good stiff drink will help ease the pain for those 'less fortunate folk'. It does make one wonder.

Wow! Two-and-a-half bucks for a pint of vodka. I'm thinking maybe it's time to book a flight and visit some of the distant relatives over in Russia.

So, how many bottles can I put you down for?

(ABC Radio News)

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