Russians increasingly save on food and clothes because of war - intelligence
Photo: more and more Russians are living below the poverty line (Getty Images)
The war in Ukraine and the reorientation of the economy toward military needs are increasingly affecting the well-being of Russians, a significant portion of whom are forced to save on clothing and food, and their number is growing, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service.
Russians are increasingly saving on the most essential things
The worsening economic situation in Russia is forcing citizens to reconsider their expenses and give up some of their usual purchases. This primarily concerns food, clothing, and other basic needs.
As noted by the Foreign Intelligence Service, the results of sociological studies by Prognosis and Shopper's demonstrate a growing financial pressure on Russian households.
In particular, 34% of respondents stated that they have recently started saving on food. At the same time, another 47% of respondents reported having already been forced to limit such expenses due to a lack of funds.
Thus, over four out of five Russians, to one degree or another, face the need to control spending even on basic goods.
Clothing is also becoming a luxury
A similar situation is observed in the clothing market. According to intelligence data, nearly 40% of Russian citizens are postponing the purchase of new clothes due to financial difficulties. Another 20% of respondents said they cannot afford to update their wardrobe at all.
These indicators point to a decline in consumer activity and a gradual reduction in domestic demand, both of which are key indicators of a country's economic health.
Military spending is putting pressure on the economy
The Foreign Intelligence Service emphasizes that the deterioration of the population's well-being is occurring against the backdrop of rising state expenditures on the war in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Moscow continues to channel significant financial resources to the military-industrial complex and the support of combat operations, which is increasingly affecting the civilian sector of the economy.
Despite official Kremlin statements about the economy's resilience to sanctions, ordinary Russians are facing rising prices, declining purchasing power, and the need to cut back on everyday goods.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service's assessment, the survey results indicate a further deterioration in the financial situation of the Russian population. Under wartime conditions, the forecast is obvious – the standard of living will continue to decline.
Russia's economy has drifted into stagnation – a standstill that requires significant effort to restore balance. In Moscow, there has even been talk of a possible end to the war to save the economy.
However, Putin and his entourage are convincing the population that everything is normal, although the Foreign Intelligence Service regularly cites examples of the aggressor country's dire economic situation. This was also stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also citing intelligence data.
