Among other things, this may have some effect on the Russian-Indian negotiations for a strategic partnership in 1999. Not only is this yet another Kremlin purge, but this shows signs of building on itself. The murder of liberal deputy Galina Starovoitova is indeed tragic, both personally and for the liberal cause in Russia. The extent, if any, to which it will contribute to greater social and political breakdown, however, depends more on other factors. As for the Russian food situation, there is definitely a case for food aid, notwithstanding Russian food exports.
Inflation gives Russian producers good reason to export rather than sell domestically.
Thus, food aid may still be the best bet, in the face of a terrible harvest this year, of preventing starvation in Russia. The Russian Army is organizing politically, not only to pressure the government on its own behalf, but also to serve as a surrogate government. There has always been a tendency for the military to pick up the pieces in situations like this, as it is often the only body able to keep order, and order tends to be top priority after prolonged chaos and instability. Russia is not necessarily heading for the abyss, but given previous developments, Russia's history and parallels with Iraq, it's wise to at least make contingency plans. The developing Belarusian dictatorship on the border draws some Russians' admiration for having the trains run on time and standing up to the West, unlike Russia itself.