The Russian economy is heading into the abyss: what will the Kremlin’s steps be?

For the first time, statements about the need to stop hostilities against Ukraine began to be heard in Russian government circles. The main incentive for such talks was the rapid deterioration of the aggressor country’s economy.

Candidate of Economic Sciences and associate expert at Visergrad Insight Ivan Us reported on the air of “Pryamoy” that the Russian budget deficit has approached the mark of 6 trillion rubles, which is forcing the government to look for ways to radically reduce spending.

The economist explains that the Kremlin can no longer ignore financial realities. As early as June, the authorities will have to carry out a budget sequestration, which will lead to salary cuts and mass layoffs in the budget sector.

“The economy always determines the ability of a state to be at war. A budget deficit of almost 6 trillion is a very large figure, which forces the Russian government to look for ways to cover this deficit,” the expert emphasized.

Instead, “Kremlin mouthpieces” are already preparing the population for the fact that the state may abandon social obligations, in particular the payment of pensions. “Why should this state pay pensions? Let relatives do it,” Russian propagandists are broadcasting the Kremlin’s new logic.

At the same time, according to Us, the additional income from oil sales, which Finance Minister Anton Siluanov was counting on, turned out to be insignificant compared to the hole in the budget. The 200 billion rubles received in no way cover the deficit. Social tension is growing, as the state is gradually moving away from its guarantees, trying to shift the financial burden onto ordinary citizens, – the studio guest summed up.

As reported by “Pryamiy”, the internal situation in Russia is showing signs of destabilization due to economic hardship and a protracted conflict. According to official Russian polls, the level of distrust in the dictator has reached 24% , which is the highest figure since February 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian intelligence agencies have obtained recordings of telephone conversations between Elvira Nabiullina, the head of the Russian Central Bank, who in private gave extremely pessimistic forecasts about the stability of the Russian financial system in the coming months. These data differ significantly from the official Kremlin propaganda.

By the way, the leader of the Russian communists, Gennady Zyuganov, has stated that there is a risk of a repeat of the 1917 revolution in Russia amid economic problems and growing discontent. According to him, the Russian economy is rapidly deteriorating, and he called the first quarter of the year a “complete disaster.” Zyuganov called on the authorities to urgently make financial and economic decisions, otherwise the country could face a scenario similar to the events of 1917 in the fall.