Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that in 2026, the budget deficit of the Russian Federation, caused by Western sanctions, could reach at least $100 billion. The head of state announced this during a briefing for journalists on October 31.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“We understand that somewhere this (sanctions – ed.) may lead to a budget deficit for Russia. For next year, up to $100 billion. Here we have different analytics: there are (data) up to $100 billion, which is more skeptical, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (provides) a more positive (forecast) for us – there it’s $130 billion”
Updated forecast for the Russian economy
The Ministry of Economy of Russia recently revised the official forecast for the socio-economic development of the country for 2026–2028. These indicators are the basis for forming the federal budget. The prospects for the current year 2025 were also clarified.
According to the new calculations, the projected economic growth for Russia in 2025 has been reduced by 2.5 times compared to April. For 2026, the figure has been cut almost in half. This indicates an increase in the negative impact of international sanctions on the economic stability of the aggressor country.
Deterioration of key economic indicators
In 2026, according to the official forecast, investments in the Russian economy will turn negative. A sharp slowdown in the growth of real incomes and wages has been recorded. At the same time, an increase in the unemployment rate is expected.
Independent experts express even more pessimistic assessments regarding the future of the Russian economy, noting significant risks for the country’s financial system amid ongoing sanctions and internal problems.