Russia's economy strained after 4-years of conflict with Ukraine
發佈日期: 2026-02-23 20:50
TVB News
Business owners in Russia interviewed by the Associated Press highlighted the strain on their country's economy brought on by the Kremlin's four-year conflict in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Slovakia is backing Hungary in threatening to block new EU sanctions on Russia until Russian oil deliveries resume.
Elsewhere, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said several people were detained after explosions in Ukraine's western city of Lviv killed at least one person and injured 25.
The mounting pressure on Russia's economy caused by the country's four year long conflict in Ukraine is starting to show.
Oil revenues are dwindling, the budget deficit is up, and military spending that fuelled robust growth has leveled off.
The Kremlin is now tapping consumers and small businesses for funds. Russia's value-added tax has been raised by 2% and revenue thresholds for requiring businesses to pay it have been lowered drastically.
Ordinary Russians appear to be feeling the pain.
Business owners interviewed by The Associated Press described a steady decline in demand for their goods and services, a sudden increase in costs as suppliers adjust to the tax reform, and a tax burden that's now tens of times higher. Some said they downsized to keep operating, while others closed.
Elsewhere, Slovakia is backing Hungary in threatening to block new EU sanctions on Russia and slow EU help for Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries resume.
On Monday, EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss a new sanctions package.
On Sunday, Hungary's foreign minister said Ukraine is holding back oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said "now Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is going to stop the flow of oil and cause us a major headache."
He said he will visit the state-owned company SEPS and ask it to stop emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said several people were detained after explosions in Ukraine's western city of Lviv killed at least one person and injured 25.
According to local authorities, the first explosion happened as police arrived at the scene following reports of a break-in at a store. As more police arrived, there was a second blast.
A 23-year-old policewoman died during the incident.
At a briefing outside the hospital in Lviv where those injured from the attack were being treated, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko suggested Russia may have been behind the incident.
