Since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia’s economy has surpassed expectations. But some experts say this image of resilience is a mirage crafted by the Kremlin.

Domestic activity has become strained in recent months by labour shortages and high interest rates introduced to tackle inflation, which has accelerated under record military spending.

DEEP DIVE — Nearly three years into its costly war against Ukraine, Russia’s economy is faltering under the strain of sanctions, inflation, and high borrowing costs. While Western hopes that the sanctions would bring economic collapse proved premature, the cumulative toll is now evident.

Just hours after Donald Trump’s unconventional inauguration had come to a close, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were on the phone to one another, promising to bring the new Moscow-Beijing axis to “greater heights”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is "ready for negotiations" with U.S. President Donald Trump about how to end the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has echoed President Trump's claims about the war in Ukraine and about the Republican's 2020 election loss.

Putin ‘open for talks’ with Trump over Ukraine war and calls for leaders to meet - Russian president also echoes new US president’s claim conflict in Ukraine could have been prevented had he been in W