The article discusses the current state of Russia's war economy, which has been experiencing a slowdown due to economic hardship and declining morale among ordinary Russians. The Kremlin's efforts to combat inflation have only added to the slowdown, with high interest rates and reduced subsidies on mortgages.
Despite this, experts believe that Russia should be able to maintain its surge in military expenditure, at least in the short term. Putin is expected to encourage the central bank to print money and raise taxes to fund the war effort.
The article also notes that growing economic discontent in Russia may not translate into growing political discontent, as the Kremlin has agreed to peace talks with Ukraine for the first time in months. For Ukraine's negotiators, a key factor is now in play: Russia's war economy is showing signs of weakness and cannot last forever.
Overall, the article suggests that while Russia's war economy is facing challenges, it is likely to continue to fund the conflict at least in the short term. However, this may lead to increased economic hardship for ordinary Russians, which could have significant implications for Putin's regime and the broader regional dynamics.
Some key points from the article include:
* Economic optimism in Russia has softened, with 39% of respondents saying economic conditions are getting worse, up from 29% in 2022.
* Military expenditure as a share of GDP has doubled to more than 7%, but the rise in spending has now slowed.
* Putin is expected to encourage the central bank to print money and raise taxes to fund the war effort.
* Russia's war economy is showing signs of weakness, with growing economic discontent among ordinary Russians.
* The Kremlin's efforts to combat inflation have only added to the slowdown, with high interest rates and reduced subsidies on mortgages.
Overall, the article suggests that while Russia's war economy is facing challenges, it is likely to continue to fund the conflict at least in the short term. However, this may lead to increased economic hardship for ordinary Russians, which could have significant implications for Putin's regime and the broader regional dynamics.
Despite this, experts believe that Russia should be able to maintain its surge in military expenditure, at least in the short term. Putin is expected to encourage the central bank to print money and raise taxes to fund the war effort.
The article also notes that growing economic discontent in Russia may not translate into growing political discontent, as the Kremlin has agreed to peace talks with Ukraine for the first time in months. For Ukraine's negotiators, a key factor is now in play: Russia's war economy is showing signs of weakness and cannot last forever.
Overall, the article suggests that while Russia's war economy is facing challenges, it is likely to continue to fund the conflict at least in the short term. However, this may lead to increased economic hardship for ordinary Russians, which could have significant implications for Putin's regime and the broader regional dynamics.
Some key points from the article include:
* Economic optimism in Russia has softened, with 39% of respondents saying economic conditions are getting worse, up from 29% in 2022.
* Military expenditure as a share of GDP has doubled to more than 7%, but the rise in spending has now slowed.
* Putin is expected to encourage the central bank to print money and raise taxes to fund the war effort.
* Russia's war economy is showing signs of weakness, with growing economic discontent among ordinary Russians.
* The Kremlin's efforts to combat inflation have only added to the slowdown, with high interest rates and reduced subsidies on mortgages.
Overall, the article suggests that while Russia's war economy is facing challenges, it is likely to continue to fund the conflict at least in the short term. However, this may lead to increased economic hardship for ordinary Russians, which could have significant implications for Putin's regime and the broader regional dynamics.