Russia’s budget deficit could reach $130 billion in 2026 due to sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that as a result of international sanctions, Russia will face a budget deficit of at least $100 billion in 2026, and according to optimistic forecasts, up to $130 billion.

The head of state announced this at a briefing following a meeting on sanctions against Russian companies.

“We understand that this could lead to a budget deficit of up to $100 billion for Russia next year. We have different analyses here: some are more skeptical – up to $100 billion, while others are more positive – $130 billion,” Zelensky noted.

The President emphasized that the reduction in Russia’s income should be made possible by a consistent reduction in imports of Russian energy resources by those countries that continue to purchase them.

According to him, China remains the largest importer of Russian energy resources – it has purchased approximately $120 billion worth of oil alone.
At the same time, Zelensky thanked the states that have completely or almost completely abandoned Russian resources:

“Canada, Britain, Australia, and Japan are our key partners, who have reduced their imports from Russia as much as possible, or even to zero,” the president emphasized.

At the same time, India, China, Türkiye, and Central Asian countries, according to Zelensky, have increased trade volumes with Russia.

The President also mentioned the new package of American sanctions, which will take effect on November 20, expressing hope that partners will not make exceptions.

“We know that Hungary is working to avoid this and continue importing. This is an important aspect, and we will continue to address it,” the head of state emphasized.

Zelensky added that restricting Russia’s finances is a key tool for weakening its military machine.

“According to our data, they are counting on a military budget of $210 billion. We see where they want to increase spending, and we must do everything to prevent them from doing so,” the president said.

As a reminder, the Donald Trump administration recently announced the first major package of financial restrictions targeting the Russian economy. This move is part of Washington’s new strategy to force the Kremlin to end its war against Ukraine.

At the same time, US President DonaldTrump sarcastically commented on the words of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding new American sanctions, which, according to the Russian leader, will allegedly not affect the Russian economy .

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