Why Putin might not be so worried about Russia's economy
Jan 10, 2025
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Richard Connolly, a Senior Analyst for Oxford Analytica and author of 'The Russian Economy,' dives into the complexities of Russia's economic landscape amid ongoing conflict. He discusses the Kremlin's mixed feelings about U.S. politics and its implications for sanctions. Highlighting the ruble's status and the surprising resilience of the Russian economy despite war challenges, Connolly examines how heightened defense spending contrasts starkly with the struggles faced by lower-income Russians. The episode reveals an economy that, while troubled, may not be as dire as commonly believed.
The resilience of the Russian economy is bolstered by increased government defense spending, allowing consumer spending to persist despite sanctions.
Uncertainty around U.S. political changes could significantly affect the continuity and stability of military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
Deep dives
Russia's Ongoing Conflict and Economic Strain
Russia's war in Ukraine, now entering its third year, continues to strain the country's resources and economy. Despite Putin's orders for renewed offensives, little significant territorial progress has been made, raising concerns over the sustainability of the war effort. The prolonged conflict has led to substantial financial aid flowing into Ukraine, particularly from the United States, which serves to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. However, uncertainty looms regarding the continuity of this support, especially with political changes in the U.S. potentially impacting future military and financial assistance.
The Current State of Russian Aid and Sanctions
Financial aid to Ukraine has notably remained steady, with assistance from Western allies averaging between $65 to $75 billion annually since the war began. The challenges for Ukraine arise from delayed approvals of aid packages, which could jeopardize future military operations. Concurrently, speculation surrounds how a Trump administration might alter the sanctions landscape, with the possibility of easing restrictions or implementing new measures against nations supporting Russia. The effectiveness of sanctions remains pivotal, as they impact both the Russian economy and its capacity to sustain military actions.
Russian Economic Resilience Amidst Challenges
Contrary to some predictions, the Russian economy has demonstrated surprising resilience, with growth rates outperforming earlier expectations despite ongoing sanctions and war-related expenses. A significant driver of this growth has been substantial government spending, particularly on defense, which has supported sectors of the economy and ensured consumer spending remains robust. Additionally, Russia continues to maintain a healthy trade surplus, largely due to ongoing oil exports, amidst curtailments in gas sales to Europe. However, the fluctuating oil prices remain a crucial factor; a sustained drop could jeopardize the Russian economy's stability in the long term.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, questions have been raised as to how long Putin can financially sustain the assault. How much longer can Russia’s economy sustain the staggering costs of war?
Today in The Bunker, Dr. Richard Connolly, author of The Russian Economy: A Very Short Introduction, joins Chris Jones to find out if Putin’s war machine is running out of cash?
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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.