russians Breaking All-Time Records for Poverty and Debt

The financial situation of russians continues to deteriorate amid an economic slowdown, high interest rates, and a rising cost of living. As of January 1, 2026, the total debt of the population of the rf from loans and credits reached 45 trillion rubles for the first time in history.

In the last quarter alone, the total debt increased by nearly 1 trillion rubles (+2.2%). Mortgages account for the largest share – 21.7 trillion rubles, or 48.1% of all russians’ debt obligations. Another 13.4 trillion rubles is accounted for by consumer loans, and 3 trillion rubles – by auto loans.

In parallel, the debts of russians and businesses to the state are also growing. According to data from the federal tax service of the rf, total debt to the budget had reached a record 4 trillion rubles by April 2026, which is nearly by one-third more than a year earlier.

Of this amount, 1.7 trillion rubles consists of unpaid taxes, fees, and insurance premiums. The largest debts have accumulated in VAT (648 billion rubles), corporate income tax (294 billion), and insurance premiums (292 billion).

moscow took the top spot in terms of debt – 1.5 trillion rubles, followed by moscow region (286 billion) and st. petersburg (205 billion). In total, there are officially as many as 22 million delinquent debtors in russia.

As a result, the long-standing battle between the russian TV and the refrigerator ended in a decisive victory for the bank statement. russians, who so joyfully supported the destruction of a neighboring country, are now forced to count every kopeck at the checkout and beg banks for yet another loan with an annual interest rate of 300%. russia did manage to rise from its knees, but only to stand in line for loans to buy pasta and onions.