At first glance, 2022 does not carry any noticeable economic threats for Russia. The world economy is in a phase of confident recovery, with oil prices in the last two week rising by more than 10 %. and American stock indexes settin a number of records. Russia’s 2021 budget meanwhile received a record of extra revenues. In the first quarter the National Welfare Fund will increase by 2.5-3.5 trillion rubles($32-$46bln); raw materials export grew by almost $100 billion, and the trade surplus – 1.8 times. The growth of the Russian economy amounted to just under 5% GDP (and, most likely, it will exceed this after the estimates are clarified), becoming the fastest since 2008. Certain concern, of course, is caused by the prospect of decarbonization in the EU and the displacement of Russia from its export markets; but the gas crisis last fall and winter in Europe suggests that such a prospect is distant. Then again, all the achievements noted is no guarantee of a trouble-free new year.
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