Part 7/11:
As military expenditures soar, Russia's economy suffers immensely. From a projected inflation rate of 10% in 2024 to interest rates reaching 21%, ordinary Russians are feeling the weight of economic decline. Over two years, the ruble has depreciated significantly, leading to skyrocketing costs for everyday goods—thus exacerbating public discontent.
Critically, the dependence on defense spending—expected to account for nearly 40% of the federal budget by 2025—has taken a toll on the private sector. Dissent among various economic elites has emerged, highlighting a division between those advocating for military prioritization and those pushing for economic recovery.