Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's orders for officials to abstain from using foreign words, foreign-made cars, and Western technology, it appears that his directives have not been heeded. Former President Dmitry Medvedev was seen arriving at an event in a fleet of foreign vehicles, including a luxury Mercedes.

This incident, highlighted by independent media outlet Verstka, is just one example of officials disregarding Putin's instructions. In fact, Russian government agencies allocated over 53 million rubles for foreign cars shortly after Putin's order to stop using them.

Additionally, agencies such as the defense ministry, agriculture ministry, and state technology Rostec corporation continue to use Apple products, despite the ban imposed in July. This disobedience is particularly noteworthy in the midst of the ongoing Ukraine war, as Moscow's attempt to build a self-sufficient economy has not been successful.

The ruble is declining in value, and Russia's efforts to create domestic alternatives to foreign goods have fallen short. The automobile market, for example, is struggling due to Western companies' departure, leaving Chinese cars as the primary option.

However, there is a shortage of these vehicles, especially high-standard business-class cars that officials require. Furthermore, Russia lacks the ability to meet the demands of a modern telecommunications market. While the country can produce smartphones, it lacks an effective standalone operating system.

As a result, officials may have to rely on smartphones with Android or China's operational systems. Russia's attempt to develop its own operational system, called Aurora, requires a significant investment of $3.2 billion before it can be utilized. These challenges make it difficult to implement Putin's orders, as viable alternatives are scarce.

The Russian variant of goods is often expensive and underdeveloped. As a result, officials who give up their iPhones may simply switch to China's operational systems. The lack of compliance with Putin's anti-Western orders comes at a critical time for the Russian leader, as the country remains isolated due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

It raises questions about Putin's control over the Kremlin kleptocracy, particularly in light of the recent Wagner Group mutiny and the perceived lack of response from Russian authorities. Putin's efforts to prevent the emergence of alternative leaders in Russia have proved successful thus far.

However, the Wagner mutiny highlighted the cracks in his power structures, potentially weakening his position. Furthermore, Putin's control is challenged by rogue oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group. Both Prigozhin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko control their own empire and demonstrate resistance to complete control.

Putin may be forced to tolerate their behavior for now but could have plans to assert control in the future. Overall, Putin's orders to curb the use of foreign goods have faced significant obstacles due to limited alternatives and the defiance of officials.