Russia's Brain Drain: How It's Ravaging the Economy and Shrinking the Nation

Russia's war on Ukraine has led to a significant brain drain, with estimates suggesting that 80% of those who have left Russia are college educated and 86% are under the age of 45. This exodus of skilled professionals is contributing to a record labor shortage and will have a detrimental impact on the Russian economy. The Atlantic Council predicts that Russia's GDP, measured by purchasing power parity, will fall behind Indonesia's in 2026, two years earlier than expected. The decline in skilled workers, coupled with declining birth rates, is expected to shrink the Russian economy. Meanwhile, Indonesia's labor force is growing, attracting highly skilled workers and boosting private consumption standards.