>>513893553
>What's happening with the Russian economy:
◾ Construction
After a brief surge in late 2024-early 2025, growth rates fell to 2.6% in March 2025. Almost no new projects are being launched, and the production of building materials and metals is stagnating. Why? Because there's no demand, while wage arrears at construction companies are increasing.
◾ Gas by coupons
A 4.3% drop in oil output and declining gas output is already a wake-up call for the budget, as these resources have been the main source of money for decades. But drone strikes on oil depots and OPEC+ commitments have taken their toll. And to keep citizens 'entertained,' a certain Soviet-era practice has returned in some regions.
In Primorye, annexed Crimea, and Zabaykalsky Krai, gas can only be bought using coupons, while in Chita, no more than 10 liters per car are allowed. Kilometer-long lines form at gas stations. Gas prices have risen by 50% since the start of the year. The authorities blame "seasonal demand," but everyone knows it's a result of drone strikes and sanctions.
◾ Aviation
Out of 15 commercial jets planned for production in 2025, only one has actually been delivered. The production of the rest is stalled due to sanctions and a lack of components. With a fleet of more than 700 foreign-made planes, Russia is effectively hostage to imports of spare parts through third countries. The number of engineers isn't growing either. And so far, it's difficult to replace them with migrant workers.
◾ Shipbuilding
Rosmorport terminated its contract with the Onega Shipbuilding Plant to build two icebreakers worth 18.5 billion rubles ($230 million). The reason is sanctions, which prevented the project from even starting. Cooperation with Türkiye's Kuzey Star Shipyard was planned, but the war cut everything off.
>part 2