Russians are eating less: statistics reveal sharp drop in food consumption
Photo: Russians have started buying less food (Getty Images)
War against Ukraine and Western sanctions are hitting Russians' wallets hard. For the first time in many years, Russia has recorded a drop in consumption of basic food products, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.
According to the center, problems in the Russian economy caused by the war and international sanctions have led to a reduction in food consumption.
Over the past two months, Russians have consumed:
- 9% less buckwheat and meat
- 10% less rice
- 8% less milk
At the same time, spending on food has increased due to rapid price growth. This means that even with higher expenses, Russians can afford less.
Despite Kremlin propaganda claims of "rising incomes" and "economic stability," the reality shows the opposite — ordinary Russian citizens are being forced to literally "tighten their belts."
"The only reason for the deterioration of Russians' living standards is the ongoing war against Ukraine, which requires ever-increasing expenditures that the Kremlin extracts from its citizens' wallets," the CPD emphasized.
Russian economy in decline
The Russian economy continues to weaken amid the prolonged war against Ukraine and international sanctions.
Key industries are showing a downturn, and the banking sector is preparing for possible state support to prevent collapse. On September 4, Sberbank head Herman Gref acknowledged that in the second quarter of 2025, Russia's economic growth had effectively stalled.
Despite government efforts to show "economic stability," analysts estimate that Russia is currently spending about half of its state budget on the war against Ukraine, deepening the domestic crisis even further.
