A Russian lawmaker from the Communist Party (KPRF) said Russia’s economy will not withstand a prolonged war in Ukraine and argued that the Kremlin’s so-called “special military operation” should end as soon as possible. Renat Suleimanov, a State Duma deputy representing the Communist Party, made the remarks in an interview with regional outlet Kontinent Sibir while discussing the potential economic impact of stalled peace negotiations over Ukraine.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “It is absolutely obvious that the economy will not withstand a prolonged continuation of the special military operation,” Suleimanov said, using the Kremlin’s term for the war against Ukraine. “Officially, 40% of the federal budget is defense and security. What kind of development, investments, and capital expenditures can we talk about?” he added. Worries about inflation and economic strain Suleimanov argued that military production provides jobs and salaries in Russia’s defense sector but simultaneously fuels inflation and reduces funding for social and investment programs. “Tanks and shells have no consumer value,” he said. “The economy produces them, but the population cannot consume them. These are pure expenses.” He added that “the quickest possible end” to the war was “simply necessary.” “The special military operation has already lasted longer than the Great Patriotic War,” Suleimanov said, meaning World War II.