Despite Western sanctions, Russia's economy showed resilience in 2024 with a 4.9% growth rate, falling unemployment, and increased defense-sector activity. President Vladimir Putin highlighted these metrics as evidence of adaptation to wartime conditions. However, underlying challenges persist, including rising personal bankruptcies, increasing household debt, and caution among banks. While Russia is not experiencing economic collapse, the strain of maintaining a war economy is shifting to households and the financial system. In 2025, over 500,000 Russians declared personal bankruptcy—a significant increase from the prior year—indicating growing financial pressure on individuals. Although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected continued modest growth through 2026–27, this follows a slowdown from the earlier rapid expansion fueled by wartime spending.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both positive economic indicators under the Russian government's narrative and critical assessments of rising personal bankruptcies and household debt. It cites external reports such as the European intelligence assessment and the IMF's projections, offering a balanced view of a
