After two years of robust growth fueled by military spending on the war in Ukraine, Russia’s economy is slowing. Oil revenues are down , the budget deficit is up and defense spending has leveled off. The Kremlin needs money to keep its finances steady — and it’s clear where President Vladimir Putin intends to get it: at the cash register, from ordinary people and small businesses. An increase in value-added tax to 22% from 20% is expected to add as much as 1 trillion rubles, or about $12.3