"For certain types of product, prices have risen terribly," says Oleg, a pensioner and Moscow resident experiencing first-hand Russia's soaring inflation. The pace of inflation slowed slightly in August, but was still more than double the central bank's target, according to official data, with huge spending on the Ukraine conflict keeping pressure on prices. "The Russian economy is under strain," Oleg adds, reflecting the billions of dollars spent on soldiers and the arms industry since February 2022. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES