Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Russia set a minimum price for vodka today more than doubling the cost of the cheapest drinks in an effort to fight rampant alcoholism.
The measure is also aimed at reducing the extraordinary number of deaths caused by drinking in Russia.
The minimum price of 89 roubles (£1.80) for a half litre of vodka went into effect for the start of the 12-day New Year's and Orthodox Christmas holiday, when alcohol consumption is at its highest.
President Dmitry Medvedev has publicly criticised Russia's drinking problem and its effect on the nation's well being.
A study published last year in The Lancet medical journal said drinking has caused more than half of deaths among Russians aged 15 to 54 since the 1991 Soviet collapse.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments