How are sanctions impacting everyday life in Russia?

The symbolic shuttering of McDonald's in Russia captured headlines this week because it was one of the first Western brands to open with the writing on the wall for the Soviet Union.

But, in truth, it was just the latest blow in a long line of foreign firms to suspend or stop operations following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

In addition to McDonald's temporary closure of its 850 restaurants, Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut and Coca-Cola suspended their operations.

Prior to that, Finnish firms Valio (dairy products) and Paulig (coffee) announced the closing of their activities in Russia.

It comes after the West hit Moscow with a broad package of sanctions, including measures against Russia's central bank; cutting some of the country's banks from SWIFT, the global financial transactions system; limiting the supply of materials to Russian manufacturers; reducing energy imports from Russia and closing off airspace to Russian aircraft and airlines.

The value of Russia's currency, the rouble, has plunged since Putin sent his troops into Ukraine, making it more expensive to import goods.

It took 80 roubles to get $1 on 23 February, the day before the invasion. By 10 March, it was 119 roubles.

Firms that rely on imported goods are said to be in a panic.

Marina Albee, the owner of the Cafe Botanika vegetarian restaurant in Saint Petersburg's historic city centre, has already heard from her fruit and vegetable supplier that prices will be going up 10% to 50%.

The cafe imports dried seaweed and smoked tofu from Japan, mini asparagus from Chile, broccoli from Benin, basmati rice and coconut oil from India.

“We're waiting for the tsunami to hit — the tsunami being the price increases for everything we purchase,” Albee said.

For shoppers, it is a