The Russian economy is in crisis, despite rising oil prices due to the war in the Middle East. Moscow distorts statistics, including inflation figures, writes the Financial Times, citing a report by Swedish intelligence, informs UNN.
Details
It is noted that official Russian data themselves indicate a crisis - for example, according to dictator Vladimir Putin, Russia's GDP decreased by 1.8% in January and February. At the same time, the decline affected industrial production and construction - important sectors for a country at war.
Thomas Nilsson, head of Sweden's Military Intelligence and Security Service, stated that Russia needs Urals oil prices, its main oil grade, to remain above $100 per barrel throughout the year to close the budget deficit, and significantly longer to smooth out its other economic problems.
It is indicated that Russia systematically manipulates statistics to convince Ukraine's allies that the Russian economy has withstood huge military spending and sanctions pressure.
According to the authors, in reality, the Russian economy feels even worse than stated in official statistics.
"Nilsson said the real situation is even worse, and the Russian central bank is underestimating inflation, which he believes is closer to the key interest rate of 15% than to the official 5.86%," the publication writes.