The budget deficit of the Russian Federation in 2026 may reach a record 100 billion US dollars. The main reason for such a significant deficit is the sanctions imposed by international partners, which have severely limited the aggressor country’s income from the export of energy resources.
This is reported by Finway
The impact of sanctions on Russia’s financial situation
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in an interview that the joint sanctions policy of various states directly affected the financial capabilities of the Russian Federation. The decrease in income from the sale of energy resources has led to a reduction in budget revenues, including for the defense sector.
“The joint sanctions policy of different countries has directly influenced the reduction of opportunities for the Russian Federation. For example, due to the decrease in earnings from energy sales,” he noted.
According to Zelensky, Russia has attempted to circumvent the restrictions, but even despite these efforts, budget revenues remained insufficient. By the end of 2025, the budget deficit amounted to 83 billion dollars, with an additional 19 billion carried over to the beginning of 2026. Thus, the projected deficit for 2026 could be around 100 billion US dollars.
Easing of sanctions and new revenues for Russia
However, the recent easing of sanctions on the energy sector has allowed the Kremlin to gain additional billion-dollar profits. The US Department of the Treasury issued a temporary license for the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that had already been loaded onto ships. The permit is valid from March 12 to April 11 and allows countries to purchase oil that is “stuck at sea.”
Zelensky emphasized that these changes in the sanctions regime are already bringing significant financial revenues to Russia, measured in billions of dollars. In particular, according to the president’s estimates, the US decision could provide Russia with an additional approximately 10 billion dollars.
Such actions, according to the head of state, do not contribute to reducing the intensity of hostilities in Ukraine or Iran, as Russia continues to support the Iranian regime financially and through other means.