russian media and economists are shocked by the draft state budget for next year—there are no funds left for the kremlin to fund the war, so “ordinary russians” will have to bear the financial burden.

▫️ According to budget figures released by the russian government, when adjusted for inflation, nearly all social programs will face severe cuts. Even funding for security forces, historically a top priority for the putin regime due to their role in maintaining internal stability, is being reduced.

▫️ Meanwhile, expenditures for maintaining the putin administration and continuing the war will see a significant increase. Meanwhile, russian propaganda glosses over the exact figures, merely noting that “substantial funds are allocated to bolster the country’s defense capabilities in pursuit of the ‘special military operation’.”

This situation once again demonstrates that sanctions are taking their toll, despite russian propaganda’s claims to the contrary. Previously, moscow financed the war through vast revenues from oil, gas, and other resources. Now, under sanctions, the kremlin is left with no choice but to impose the financial strain on its own population.