How the Kremlin uses loans to increase its geopolitical influence
Russian officials boast that over the past 25 years, Russia has restructured the debts of 22 states amounting to almost $30 billion.
Russian propaganda presents this as a manifestation of “greatness and generosity,” but in reality, loans to foreign countries are a tool of geopolitical influence for the Kremlin.
The largest debtor of the Russian Federation is Belarus, which is almost completely dependent on the Kremlin. In fact, by giving out loans and writing off debts, Russia buys the loyalty of countries and drives them into dependence.
Earlier, the CCD reported that in 2023, Russia issued record loans to other countries. This policy continues this year. This is despite the fact that the Russian government was forced to sell almost 70% of gold reserves from the national welfare fund to fill the budget, one third of which is spent on security forces and the war.
