Russia's GDP Fell 1.8% in First Two Months of 2026, Putin Seeks Economic Recovery Plan

Gate News message, April 16 — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during an economic meeting on April 15 that Russia's GDP declined 1.8% in the first two months of 2026, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Putin requested participants to submit specific proposals for economic stimulus.

Peskov responded to the U.S. Treasury's decision not to extend oil sanctions exemptions for Russia, saying Moscow had anticipated the move and had already adapted to operating under illegal sanctions, working to minimize their impact.