Final answer:
Russia's economy is best described as a mixed economy with significant government control in strategic industries, but it has an increasing reliance on market mechanisms, especially in its export-oriented natural resource sectors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes Russia's current economy is that it is a mixed economy but one that retains stronger elements of government control, particularly in strategic sectors such as transportation, banking, and defense-related businesses. While Russia has transitioned from a command economy to a more market-oriented system since the end of the Soviet Union, it does not rely on markets to the same extent as Britain and Germany.
The Russian economy exhibits characteristics of a mixed system with several key industries nationalized, significant government involvement in the economy, and a need to modernize its manufacturing base to compete globally. Export of natural resources like oil and natural gas is a significant aspect of the economy, strengthening its position on the global stage but also shaping a unique economic landscape within Russia.