As per the latest figures, Russia's federal budget deficit has escalated to 18.5 percent of GDP, while the ruble has depreciated by 6 percent since the invasion. Ukrainian drone attacks have compelled Russia to reduce its oil output by 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day in April — marking the largest monthly decrease in six years — which has led to crude processing hitting a 16-year low. The nation’s total economic growth from 2022 to 2025 is projected at a mere 8 percent, concealing significant structural decline. With over 10 percent of military expenditures now allocated to recruitment incentives alone, coupled with sanctions-induced detachment from Western financial markets, Russia's military operations are facing unprecedented financial pressure as summer 2026 approaches.
