April 04, 2024

Russia's War Economy


Russia's War Economy
A Russian government building. Moscowjobnet, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Soon after the beginning of Russia's War on Ukraine, economists around the world began to speculate that the Russian economy would crash. These predictions were counterbalanced by claims from Russian economists that Russian industry would, in fact, greatly benefit from the war. While the economy did not crash, seeing only a 2.1% economic decline in 2022, the effects of the war have nonetheless been noticeable, especially in industrial regions. 

Economic geographer Natalya Zubarevich found that the regions that have benefited most from the war have been, unsurprisingly, areas where high percentages of the local economy are tied to the military-industrial complex. These include Tula, Ryazan, Yaroslavl, Tver, Penza, Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, and Omsk regions, where there was higher demand and higher salaries for factory workers in 2022 than there was in 2021. But do these combined factors mean better lives for workers in these regions?

A report from Cherta found that the higher salaries advertised for factory jobs are tied to heavier-than-usual workloads or long shifts. Employees at these companies describe longer hours and high demand, but no change in salary or benefits. Long-time factory workers complain of under-educated and under-trained new employees being brought in to speed up production, leading to an actual increase in work for more experienced workers. 

While it may be true that industries in these regions are doing better business than before the war, it is evident that the workers themselves bear the negative consequences of this success. 

You Might Also Like

Occupation Is Expensive
  • December 03, 2023

Occupation Is Expensive

An independent Russian news outlet reported that Russia is worse off economically because of its actions in Ukraine since 2013.
600 Days of War
  • October 16, 2023

600 Days of War

Russia's War on Ukraine has been going on for 600 days. Some Facts & Figures.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

Chekhov Bilingual

Chekhov Bilingual

Some of Chekhov's most beloved stories, with English and accented Russian on facing pages throughout. 
Steppe / Степь (bilingual)

Steppe / Степь (bilingual)

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.
A Taste of Chekhov

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.
Fearful Majesty

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.
Murder at the Dacha

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.
Fish: A History of One Migration

Fish: A History of One Migration

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.
The Little Golden Calf

The Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.
Woe From Wit (bilingual)

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955