"Putin's War Economy: A Decade of Declining Incomes and Unchallenged Power"

Despite Russia's impressive GDP growth, the war-focused economy is facing strains such as labor shortages, population decline, and low productivity, leading to stagnant real incomes and soaring inflation. President Putin has pledged significant spending on various areas but has yet to deliver on previous promises to improve living standards. The cost of the war is straining the state budget, leading to potential tax increases for companies and wealthier individuals. Key targets for poverty reduction, life expectancy, labor productivity, and capital investment have not been met, raising concerns about the sustainability of Russia's economic strategy amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.