Russia

Kremlin Assures Macroeconomic Stability Despite Volatility in Energy Markets

The Moscow Times · 2026-06-23

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured that Russia's macroeconomic stability is "absolutely secured" despite global energy market volatility and a significant budget deficit driven by falling oil prices and increased state expenditures. • Why it matters: Peskov's statement comes amid concerns over Russia's economic health, as the country faces a revenue shortfall of 2.1 trillion rubles ($28 billion) and a budget deficit exceeding 6 trillion rubles ($80 billion), raising questions about the long-term sustainability of its economy. • What to watch next: Observers should monitor the impact of ongoing global energy price fluctuations on Russia's economy, as well as the potential effects of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and the government's response to inflation and budgetary pressures.

June 23, 2026 Dmitry Peskov. Mikhail Grebenshchikov / RBC / TASS Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Russia’s macroeconomic stability remains “absolutely secured,” even as volatility shakes global energy markets and the ongoing war against Ukraine strains the domestic economy. “The stability of the Russian economy is secured, macroeconomic stability is absolutely secured, and this is not a matter of doubt for anyone,” Peskov told reporters during a daily press briefing. “Yes, the situation in the global energy market is extremely volatile and impacts all countries, but at the same time, there is currently no reason to doubt our country’s macroeconomic stability,” he added. Russia’s federal budget faces a revenue shortfall of 2.1 trillion rubles ($28 billion), driven by weaker corporate profits, falling crude prices and a stronger ruble. While Moscow initially reaped windfalls from a surge in oil prices triggered by the war in Iran — when Russia’s benchmark Urals crude peaked at around $120 per barrel — the price has since tumbled to around $65 per barrel. At the same time, surging state expenditures linked to the wartime economy have pushed the budget deficit past 6 trillion rubles ($80 billion) over the first five months of the year. While acknowledging that shifting global energy prices directly pressure the Russian economy, Peskov claimed the country has undergone a structural shift away from resource dependence. “As for the strong volatility on oil markets, yes, it exists, and one way or another, it affects the entire world economy. It affects our economy too,” Peskov said. “However, while oil revenues certainly continue to make a significant contribution to our country’s budget, the share of non-oil and gas revenues is nevertheless growing.” His comments come after Russia’s benchmark MOEX index fell more than 4% on Monday to hit its lowest level in more than three years, extending a 15-week decline. The latest drop followed a modest Central Bank interest rate cut last week, which signaled that high borrowing costs will likely persist longer than investors had expected. Inflation remains a concern for policymakers as Ukrainian drone attacks target Russian oil refineries and fuel supply networks, which has led to the introduction of fuel rationing measures across the country over the past month. Russian President Vladimir Putin said later on Tuesday that Ukraine was trying to “divide society” and “disrupt the tourism season” with its attacks on energy infrastructure. Read more about: Economy , Peskov Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Ruble Hits 6-Month High Amid U.S.-Russia Rapprochement Russia’s Central Bank set the official exchange rate for Thursday at 88.5 rubles against the U.S. dollar, its highest level since August. 1 Min read Inflation in Russia Has Likely Peaked and Rate Cuts May Start in June – Analysts Rencap expects rate cuts to commence in June, bringing the rate down to 16% by year-end. 6 Min read Can Putin Afford to Walk Away from Ukraine Peace Talks? Russia has posted its largest budget deficit in three years and depleted its rainy day fund by 57% since the start of the war. 5 Min read Russia's Financial Flows Surge in January, Indicating Robust Economic Growth – Central Bank All major industry groups witnessed growth, with the most substantial uptick coming in sectors driven by investment demand. 3 Min read

Source: The Moscow Times
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Ex-Israeli PM acknowledges smuggling of Starlink terminals into Iran to help protesters

• What happened: Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet revealed that Israel smuggled Starlink terminals into Iran to support anti-government protesters, ...

Russia

Maximal interest rate on ruble deposits drop to 12.86% in mid-June

• What happened: The average maximal interest rate on ruble deposits in Russia decreased to 12.86% per annum in mid-June, down from 12.97% in late May and early...

Russia

Bank of Russia set dollar rate at 74.62 rubles for June 24

• What happened: The Bank of Russia set the official dollar rate at 74.62 rubles for June 24, 2026, an increase of 85.5 kopecks from the previous rate. The euro...

Russia

Russia honors $234.8 mln Eurobond coupon payment — Finance Ministry

• What happened: The Russian Finance Ministry made a Eurobond coupon payment of $234.8 million, fulfilling obligations for bonds maturing in 2027 and 2047. • ...

Russia

US-Iran memorandum makes no mention of Tehran’s missile program — Pakistani PM

• What happened: Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that the US-Iran memorandum of understanding does not address Tehran's missile program, whi...

Russia

Israeli forces open fire at Hezbollah fighters in buffer zone in southern Lebanon — army

• What happened: Israeli forces opened fire on four Hezbollah members who crossed into a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, posing a threat to IDF soldiers. • W...