How should you interpret something like that?

Is this even correct?

It matches the figures the IMF uses. They can certainly do math. But they have to work with figures provided by Russia.

But let's assume the Russians aren't lying for once.

The economy has actually grown by 1%.

By what?

In 2026, 40% of the state budget will go to the military.

That means wages, but mainly development and production of weapons.

They're making a tank. Let's assume it's worth $15 million. That's a $15 million contribution to the economy.

Three weeks later, that tank is only worth the scrap metal price.

So, as soon as that scrap metal is sold, there's ALSO a $400 contribution to the economy.

But Russia hasn't added anything!

Prosperity didn't increase. A few people received wages, but that's only a fraction of all the costs incurred in producing that tank.

What's wrong is the way we calculate economic growth. The IMF may be right, but prosperity for the average Russian is declining sharply, because benefits, infrastructure, schools, hospitals—all of these are receiving much less funding. The military now receives 40% of available resources, while in Europe we spend 2% on military resources.

So don't be fooled by IMF figures. Things are going dramatically badly in Russia... for the Russians themselves.

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