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  Fresh Data Shows Russian Economy Suffering Broad Slowdown

  New data suggests that the Russian economy is contracting, particularly its manufacturing and service sectors. Economic slowdown, though an expected consequence of the pandemic, has the potential to wreak long-term havoc on the economy if the government doesn't provide adequate stimulus measures.
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  Russia Records 3.6% GDP Fall in Third Quarter

  Russia's GDP declined 3.6% in the third quarter, a major improvement from the 8% drop in the second quarter. Analysts believe this is due in part to the lifting of coronavirus-related restrictions. If this trend continues, Russia's official estimates of a 3.8% GDP contraction for the year may be validated. However, if the second wave of the pandemic worsens, then official predictions–and plans– may be overturned.
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  Haunted by demographic holes Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov weighs in on Russia’s declining population

  The population holes created by World War 1 and the fall of the Soviet Union are now culminating in a dangerous trend of population decline. Putin has highlighted population growth as one of, if not the most important problems facing Russia. Population growth is one of the keys to improving long-run economic productivity. One can see why Russia, being one of the least productive nations in the world, has significant incentive to reverse the current population trend.
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  Half of Russian doctors surveyed report a drop in earnings during the pandemic

  A recent survey has shown that half of Russian doctors have experienced decreased incomes during the pandemic. 6% earned more but with a disproportionate increase in workload. Just 12% earned significantly more. This data comes after the Russian government released stimulus packages that included hazard pay for medical workers. However, many medical workers reported receiving less than expected or no hazard pay. This aligns with the trend of the Kremlin prioritizing economic support for large state-adjacent firms and offering little to no support for average citizens in the form of direct pay or small business.
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  ‘Accessible only to State authorities’ Here’s how the EU explained its decision to sanction high-level Russian officials over Navalny’s poisoning

  EU and UK officials have announced sanctions against six Russian officials and one scientific research institute as a result of Alexei Navalny's poisoning, which has been blamed on the Russian government. The sanctions demonstrate a downturn of bilateral relations between Russia and the EU.
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  How Nornickel Became the Arctic’s Biggest Polluter

  Nornickel, a Russian mining and metallurgical company, now produces twice the amount of sulfur dioxide pollution than the United States from its industrial plants in the Arctic. Accidental spills are not included in this figure, but they cause significant damage on top of it. As demand for metals rises, pressure is being put on Nornickel to develop more environmentally sustainable manufacturing and extraction practices. Unless companies move to modernize their Arctic industrial operations, global warming will cause many more accidental disasters.
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  Russia’s new draft budget doesn’t include the expected cuts to government spending — why is that?

  This article discusses why Russia's new draft budget, meant to cover the next three years, does not include spending cuts. Russia, like most other countries, spent heavily during the coronavirus pandemic, creating a significant budget deficit. Yet the new budget, devoid of expected cuts that would've closed the deficit, presents an optimistic outlook on the Russian economy's recovery.