Is Russia's economy truly in its final stages?

A recent analysis by German and Swedish economists posits that Russia's economy is nearing its final stages, raising questions about its potential recovery and the factors influencing its trajectory. The study probes whether an end to the Ukraine war is the sole pathway to salvaging the nation's economic standing and examines potential scapegoats within the elite for the current crisis.

Vasily Astrov, an economist and Russia expert at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW), shared his insights on these complex issues. In the 41st episode of "Die Presse" podcast, Astrov, alongside Eduard Steiner, a long-time Russia correspondent, delves into the post-Iran war landscape, internal elite dynamics, and emerging generational divides within Russia.

The podcast addresses critical questions surrounding the effectiveness of Western sanctions and Russia's perceived reduced reliance on Europe. Astrov and Steiner aim to provide clear analyses of the situation behind the "new Iron Curtain" that has emerged since President Vladimir Putin initiated the war in Ukraine, challenging common assumptions and offering a nuanced perspective on Russia's economic reality.