🧵 Thread: Every ruble spent on Russia’s war is stolen from its people 
1/ War > Welfare
Russia diverted massive resources to its war effort—you might say “stolen” from public welfare.
About 20% of its GDP went directly into the conflict by mid‑2024, funded on top of a 40% share of government spending in 2025 devoted to defence and security alone.
Russia diverted massive resources to its war effort—you might say “stolen” from public welfare.
About 20% of its GDP went directly into the conflict by mid‑2024, funded on top of a 40% share of government spending in 2025 devoted to defence and security alone.
2/ What does that mean in real rubles?
An estimated US $250 billion was injected into military operations by June 2024.
On top of that, over US $200 billion was funneled into defense contractors via special, government-directed loans
An estimated US $250 billion was injected into military operations by June 2024.
On top of that, over US $200 billion was funneled into defense contractors via special, government-directed loans
3/ Civilian sacrifice: shrinking demand, delayed growth
GDP growth has dropped from over 4% in 2024 to a sluggish 1.8% projected for 2025.
Spending on goods and services barely budged—up just 2.3%, down from 5.5% the year before. Even state expenditure slowed drastically
GDP growth has dropped from over 4% in 2024 to a sluggish 1.8% projected for 2025.
Spending on goods and services barely budged—up just 2.3%, down from 5.5% the year before. Even state expenditure slowed drastically
4/ Inflation pain while incomes stagnate
While wages rose fast initially due to labor shortages, actual living conditions remain fragile.
Real income growth slowed to 7.1% in 2025, down from 8.3% in 2024—wages for new hires only rose 2.2% in nominal terms in the last quarter
While wages rose fast initially due to labor shortages, actual living conditions remain fragile.
Real income growth slowed to 7.1% in 2025, down from 8.3% in 2024—wages for new hires only rose 2.2% in nominal terms in the last quarter
5/ Militarised economy puts long-term stability at risk
The war economy cushioned Russia temporarily—but it’s unsustainable.
Public sentiment still holds, but cracks are appearing: growth is supported by war spending, not productivity
The war economy cushioned Russia temporarily—but it’s unsustainable.
Public sentiment still holds, but cracks are appearing: growth is supported by war spending, not productivity
6/ The human cost: fewer workers, more emptiness
The war triggered a devastating labor shortage—1.5 million skilled workers missing due to war casualties and emigration, especially of draft-age men, undermining industrial capacity
The war triggered a devastating labor shortage—1.5 million skilled workers missing due to war casualties and emigration, especially of draft-age men, undermining industrial capacity
7/ Russia, the shrinking nation
The demographic decline worsens the issue. Russia’s median age rose to 40.3 in 2025, with the population expected to shrink from 146 million in 2022 to roughly 136 million by 2050
The demographic decline worsens the issue. Russia’s median age rose to 40.3 in 2025, with the population expected to shrink from 146 million in 2022 to roughly 136 million by 2050
8/ Overall macroeconomic status
Russia’s avg wage was ₽88k/month ($980) last year.
In most EU states, workers take home €2–3k+, even in Eastern Europe salaries top €1k. While Moscow spends on war, ordinary Russians earn far less than their European peers.
Russia’s avg wage was ₽88k/month ($980) last year.
In most EU states, workers take home €2–3k+, even in Eastern Europe salaries top €1k. While Moscow spends on war, ordinary Russians earn far less than their European peers.
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