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Russia's Economy Stumbles Amid Conflict and Sanctions

Sanctions and conflict are pushing Russia's economy to the brink. A former CIA chief suggests a new way to cut off funding for the war.

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text...
In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Russia's Economy Stumbles Amid Conflict and Sanctions

The Russian economy is under severe strain due to the ongoing conflict and international sanctions. Billions of rubles are being funneled into the defense sector, leading to resource scarcity and soaring inflation in the civilian sphere. Meanwhile, former CIA Director General David Petraeus has proposed targeting countries and companies buying Russian energy resources to limit their revenue and financing for the war.

Russia's GDP growth in 2025 has slowed to a mere 1%, indicating a deepening economic crisis and stagnation. This is exacerbated by attacks on Russian oil refineries by Ukraine, which have proven effective in limiting Russia's oil and gas exports, according to Petraeus. The industrial sector is also feeling the pinch, with significant decreases in production of furniture, clothing, electronics, and metallurgy, signaling an escalating decline.

Petraeus has outlined a three-step plan for Ukraine's victory. This includes mass production of unmanned systems, security guarantees from Western allies, and new economic restrictions on Russia. President Putin, however, has blamed the Central Bank of Russia for high interest rates, while Sberbank CEO Herman Greft attributes the economic problems to structural dependence on military spending.

The Russian economy faces significant challenges, with resource shortages, inflation, and industrial decline. Petraeus's proposal to target buyers of Russian energy resources could further undermine Russia's military economy. The Central Bank of Russia plays a crucial role in managing the country's economy during this crisis, facing challenges such as high inflation and economic sanctions.

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