Putin humiliated as collapsing economy forces Russians to ditch holidays for cow farming

Russians are facing nightmare logistics, soaring airfares and strict visa bans thanks to Putin's war in Ukraine. 13:11, Fri, Jul 31, 2026 Updated: 13:19, Fri, Jul 31, 2026 Russians are facing nightmare logistics, soaring airfares and strict visa bans (Image: Getty)Vladimir Putin's crumbling economy and ongoing war in Ukraine have left ordinary Russians facing a summer holiday nightmare. Faced with crippling western sanctions, a soaring cost of living and constant Ukrainian drone attacks, a summer getaway has suddenly become an unattainable luxury for millions.Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western Europe was just a direct flight away for city dwellers. Today, Western airlines and booking giants like Airbnb have fled, leaving travellers facing nightmare logistics, soaring airfares and strict visa bans. Lyubov Chuchmayeva, from Russian tour operator PAKS, admitted: "Today, a trip to Russians’ beloved Rome, Madrid or Paris is a full-fledged case for the logistics department."Traditional Black Sea hotspots have seen bookings plunge and beaches deserted (Image: Getty)Even domestic travel has turned into a life-or-death gamble. Traditional Black Sea hotspots like annexed Crimea hav...