INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
all remaining opposition.In March, the 72-year-old was re-elected for a fifth term with no meaningful competition, cementing his reign for
presidential election in March, extending his presidency for another six years
While official figures cited a record 87% of votes cast in his favor, independent monitors reported widespread fraud including over20
the government intensified its crackdown on dissent, targeting private communication channels amid fears of covert criticism
By December, Russia had effectively blocked access to YouTube, further isolating Russians from uncensored information.Dissatisfaction has
also simmered in traditionally pro-Kremlin factions
Wives and mothers of mobilized soldiers demanded the return of their loved ones from the front line, challenging the prolonged conscription
of men drafted in the fall of 2022
The North Caucasus republic of Dagestan saw anti-Israeli riots and deadly attacks on Orthodox churches and synagogues, while mass
November survey by the Russian Field research group, the share of Russians supporting peace talks or the immediate signing of a peace
domestic and foreign policy, consuming vast economic resources
faced growing challenges in 2024 as its war in Ukraine drained its resources
While GDP growth is expected to reach 4% this year, it is expected to slow to under 1.5% in 2025
Bell.Labor shortages, with unemployment at just 2.3%, are pushing wages higher, outpacing inflation and productivity
Corporate borrowing grew by 16.4% this year despite high interest rates, but most industries are stagnating
Sectors linked to military production are the only ones to show significant growth, with others held back by sanctions and a lack of
workers.Sanctions are hitting harder, with new EU and United States measures set to raise costs further in 2025
Money is available to wage war in 2025, business generally remains optimistic
