Reports
In-depth reports and long-form research from Free Russia Foundation experts on Russian politics, the war, civil society, sanctions and propaganda.
What’s Happening to the Russian Economy?
A perfect storm: budget crisis, looming recession, inflation There are no miracles, and Putin’s much-hailed “economic resilience” since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine was largely explained by three simple factors: There are no miracles, and Putin’s much-hailed “economic resilience” since…
The evolution of the US–Russia sanctions regime
Structure, composition and ways to improve effectiveness
The Russian Orthodox Church and the War
Introduction In early March 2022, as Russian troops occupied Bucha and Hostomel, Patriarch Kirill declared during a sermon at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior: “Russia is waging not a physical, but a metaphysical battle against the forces of evil in Ukraine." He framed this…
Record deficits, inflation, recession fears—a moment of reckoning?
Russian Economy and Sanctions Brief—May 2025
Russian Economy and Sanctions Brief—March 2025
Russia's stock market rally at the start of Trump's presidency fueled by hopes for at least partial relief from sanctions have hit hard reality. Russia is now again…
The U.S. Political Factor in Russia’s Economic Future
Economy and Sanctions Brief — February 2025
The Russian Economy and Sanctions Brief—January 2025
More Uncertainty Follows as the Central Bank Yields to Pressure
Russian Economy and Sanctions Brief—November 2024
Between inflation and stagflation, lobbyists versus bankers, and the need for sanctions control
The Russian Economy and Sanctions Brief—October 2024
Inflation, budget and labor shortages, and a cooling of relations with China
The Russian Economy and Sanctions Brief—August 2024
Vladimir Putin’s corridor of economic opportunities is narrowing