– Perspectives are rather gloomy – says Russian expert Stefan Meister from the German Foreign Policy Society in an interview with the daily “Bild”. Already next year, inflation may increase to 11 percent again, and the arms industry as the motorbike motor reaches its borders. The war in Ukraine consumes more and more money.
The consequences are already visible to the naked eye – and begin to touch primarily ordinary Russians in three important areas.
Until now, Putin's war was considered a guarantee of employment. According to the new Gazieta, from the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, about 1.2 thousand operated for the front of the front. arms companies. And not only the demand for people and materials increased there – the demand for factor employees grew throughout Russia. Up to 600 thousand Watering on a popular portal with HH.RU work offers concerned the arms industry. At the same time, the salaries were constantly increasing.
But this is the past. In August, the demand for employees for the arms industry fell to the lowest level. From spring, salaries in this industry – unlike a general tendency – did not grow. Quite the opposite: From 2024, they fell by 10 percent. With one exception: these problems did not affect drone producers.
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While Putin still pumps billions into the arms industry stagnated in stagnation and nationalized about 180 enterprises, the automotive industry and other branches not related to the defense industry are shrinking. “This is not balanced and does not lead to innovation and growth,” says Meister.
Growing taxes
According to the Putin expert he has significantly exhausted his financial reserves. Nevertheless, he needs more money for his war. According to New Gazieta, military expenses in the Russian budget may increase from 19 trillion rubles (PLN 834 billion) originally planned in 2018 to 31.5 trillion rubles (1 trillion PLN 382 billion) in 2027.
Military expenses already consume 40 percent. Russian budget. Vladimir Putin reacts to this with a tax increase. From 2026, VAT is expected to increase from 20 to 22 percent. It will touch many Russianswho already suffer from high prices resulting from inflation (in August it was 8.1 percent). The authorities emphasize that they still want to fulfill all social obligations. However, according to the Ministry of Finance, there are “defense and security” first.
Gasoline becomes a luxury commodity
For a long time the war was something distant to most Russians. Now he hits them with full force – at fuel distributors. Because Ukraine has been systematically destroying Russian refineries for months, gasoline has become a luxury commodity in some parts of the country: it is difficult to access and road.
Closed distributors at a gas station in Moscow, Russia, September 26, 2025.Maxim Shipnkov / PAP
In front of gas stations in large cities, such as Sevastopol, Chabarowsk and Niżny Nowogród, they set up kilometer queues, and some stations from two to three weeks did not have gasoline. According to media reports in Nizhny Novgorod, even school buses did not drive due to gas deficiency.
The government in Moscow reacted with a drastic step: All fuel exports are to be prohibited by the end of the year. Despite this, prices are rising rapidly in many places. The effects of this are felt even on the front in Ukraine. The commander of the armed forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrski told journalists that fuel supplies for Russian troops are seriously disturbed: “We see it on the battlefield,” he emphasized.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
