VTB CEO Warns Russian Economy Could Stagnate in 2026
VTB CEO Andrei Kostin expects Russian economic growth to range between zero and 0.5 percent this year due to high borrowing costs and falling capital investment. He noted that while inflation remains a primary concern, increased interest from Chinese and Arab investors could support a recovery once the conflict in Ukraine ends.
Russia faces potential economic stagnation this year as high borrowing costs and a 14.3% drop in capital investment stall growth. VTB CEO Andrei Kostin expects GDP expansion between zero and 0.5% in 2026, compared to the official government forecast of 0.4% for that year. The outlook highlights the strain of 14.5% interest rates on industrial expansion and domestic fixed-asset investment.
