Russian Firms Scramble for State Aid From Budget Strained by War

A growing number of Russian companies are lining up for state aid and tax relief, just as the Kremlin is wrestling with a widening budget deficit from its war in Ukraine.

A steel industry lobby group is seeking relief from the raw steel excise and iron ore mineral extraction tax to shore up falling profits, a move that could cost the budget about 10 billion rubles ($129 million) a month, according to people familiar with the request who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.