- Russia expects to overspend significantly on its Ukraine war efforts this year, potentially by at least $28bn, with Finance Minister Anton Siluanov warning of a possible ₽4trn overspend in a "negative scenario".
- Mr Siluanov urged the cabinet to freeze approximately ₽2.9 trillion Russian roubles ($40.8bn) in non-war-related spending and projected further ₽4trn overspends in 2027 and 2028.
- The country's budget deficit has already swelled to ₽5.9trn by April, considerably higher than the anticipated ₽3.8trn for the year.
- Despite sanctions, Russia's economy, boosted by defence and industry, rose to become the world's ninth largest last year, though the war economy is now exhibiting signs of strain.
- Russia's military advances in Ukraine have slowed considerably, with only 104 square kilometres seized this year compared to 1,619 square kilometres in the same period last year.
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