, Columnist
Russian Economy Takes Hit From Putin's Grip
The Russian leader's domestic and geopolitical ambitions play out in worsening economic forecasts.
Looking ahead.
Photographer: d Aleksey Nikoskyi/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
As President Vladimir Putin further tightens his grip on power after dubious elections that gave his party an absolute majority, Russia is sliding into protracted stagnation. The Economics Ministry has adjusted downward its forecast through 2019 and Russia is now expected to underperform the global economy even more than previously anticipated.
That is the background against which Putin's continued geopolitical games and the generational change in his team will proceed, resulting in a two-track Russia.