🕒 Created

Vladimir Putin Acknowledges Economic Damage from Ukrainian Strikes While Maintaining Growth Outlook

Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes on industrial and infrastructure facilities are causing tangible damage to the Russian economy. During a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects, Vladimir Putin noted that while external pressure and "terrorist attacks" affect economic growth, these impacts have not reached a critical level. Despite the damage, Vladimir Putin characterized Russia's current GDP growth as "modest" but positive, aiming to reassure the public ahead of the September State Duma elections. The Kremlin has attempted to manage the narrative through a broad censorship campaign, yet the ongoing war and Ukrainian long-range strikes have made it difficult to conceal the effects of rising inflation, gasoline shortages, and labor shortages. To manage civil unrest caused by fuel scarcity, the administration has deployed paramilitary forces to patrol gas stations. Additionally, the administration is expanding the legal authorities of emergency forces to better manage domestic unrest and counter-drone threats during evacuations.

Sources