Since the first months of war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has assured that his country is escaping the sanctions imposed by the West. However, satellite images consulted by the Swedish Government have revealed the real impact of the war on the Russian economy.
According to the media not only do national companies operate on Russian soil, “there are large European corporations that contribute to the Kremlin’s taxes and Russian stores continue to sell various Western luxury products.” Still, “external data” show that their economy is faltering.
“Inflation puts essential goods like milk or potatoes at record prices. Meanwhile, its real estate market is experiencing greater difficulties due to the increase in mortgage interest rates“, determines the publication. The ruble “is despised”, there is a “shortage” of labor and “a large part of the Government’s funds are going to war.”
With these “contradictory” data, the Government of Sweden has begun to analyze the Russian economy through NASA images. The Swedish Finance Minister, Elisabeth Svantessonin statements at the Davos International Economic Forum, has asserted that in 2021, Moscow “was brighter” than in 2023.
Although, the publication insists that “It is difficult to make a 100% reliable comparison.“In the first image there are clouds that distort vision, but clearly the city is darker in 2023.”
The minister concludes that “it is very evident that the Russian economy is not strong as Putin would have us believe.” In his statements, reported by the media, he blamed the country’s high inflation, which “according to Russia is 9.5%,” but the interest rates imposed by the European Central Bank are 21%. “We do not know the real state of the Russian economy. But we know that Putin’s narrative and truth are not real.”.
