A prominent economist who played a significant role in a leading economic institution in Moscow shared his experience of leaving Russia in March 2022 due to increasing political repression and fear of arrest following his anti-war activism. His wife’s panic attacks prompted their decision to flee, and he reflects on the difficulty of this choice amidst a backdrop of war. He believes that had they stayed in Russia, he would likely have faced imprisonment due to his outspoken criticism of the war.

The economist expresses skepticism regarding the accuracy of economic data presented by Russian state institutions, noting that many key statistics are no longer published since the onset of the war. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the true state of the Russian economy, as the government appears to withhold information to maintain a favorable narrative. Furthermore, the economist discusses the implications of such data suppression on public understanding and international perceptions of Russia's economic health.

In light of the ongoing conflict and economic challenges, he argues that despite the negative impact on the economy, the Russian government will continue to find funding for its military endeavors. This poses a significant challenge for the international community as they navigate sanctions and diplomatic efforts, as the resilience of the Russian economy could prolong the war and the humanitarian crises it has caused.