Russia’s Strong Economy Thrives Despite War: What the West Missed About Putin’s Resilience

Russia’s economy is set to grow at a rate of 3.2% in 2024, surpassing the growth rates predicted for major advanced economies such as the US, despite being in a state of war. The strong private consumption and high levels of investment have propelled Russia’s economy forward. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that this momentum will slow down in 2025, with Russia’s growth rate dropping to 1.8%.

This forecast has surprised many in Western countries who had hoped that imposing sanctions on Russia would severely hinder its economy and put pressure on Putin’s government. The growth rate for 2024 would validate Putin’s claims that Russia has been able to withstand the effects of Western sanctions and trade restrictions. Additionally, as foreign companies pull out of Russia due to the war in Ukraine, the government in Moscow has been seizing funds from these fleeing firms, with reports indicating they have taken $387 million as of mid-March.

Russia’s energy sector has remained resilient, with sustained exports of oil and commodities to major markets such as India and China. By avoiding the oil price cap set by G-7 countries, Russia has been able to continue exporting energy at strong levels. The country’s steadfastness against Western sanctions can be attributed in large part to its strong partnership with China. Trade between the two countries hit a record high of $240 billion last year, driven by China’s demand for essential Russian commodities that have been discounted due to the West’s reluctance to engage in trade with Russia.