Russia is in an economic crisis. Through a combination of internal factors and external shocks, the Russian economy is heading for a deep recession. Former Soviet republics from Belarus to Uzbekistan are closely linked to Russia economically and largely affected by the crisis. Exports to Russia are collapsing. Investments that in previous years often originated from Russia are receding, and the sharp devaluation of the Russian rouble since autumn 2014 is exerting downward pressure on other currencies in the region. As a result, imports are becoming more expensive, inflation is rising, and income that is often calculated in US dollars is decreasing.