Russia

Russian Economic Pessimism Hits 20-Year High

Is Russia crumbling under Putin's war or holding firm despite Western pressure?

Published 1 day ago

Russian Economic Pessimism Hits 20-Year High

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Above: Vladimir Putin addresses the 23rd Congress of the United Russia party in Moscow on June 28. Image credit: Mikhail Metzel/Getty Images

The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

Russia's economy is crumbling under the weight of Putin's war, with a jaw-dropping, 20-year high of 60% of Russians now saying conditions are getting worse. Fuel shortages, internet blackouts and inflation are hammering ordinary Russians while the Kremlin slashes its growth forecast to 0.4%. Putin's grip is slipping, and no amount of state-managed polling can hide that the war is bleeding Russia dry.

The Wall Street Journal Newsweek

Pro-Russia narrative

Western sanctions and Ukraine's terror strikes on civilian infrastructure are the real source of Russia's economic headwinds, not any failure of governance. Russia is confidently repelling attempts to derail its progress, with investment tools expanding and long-term business relationships being built on trust. Cherry-picking individual indicators misses the broader picture of a country adapting and holding firm.

RT TASS