Salary Arrears in russia Are Becoming a Systemic Factor of Economic Degradation

russia’s economy is sinking deeper and deeper into crisis, which is manifested not only in macroeconomic indicators but also in the social sphere. Massive wage delays have become a systemic phenomenon: at the end of October 2025, overdue debts reached 2.156 billion rubles, which is by 10.6 % more than a month earlier and almost by 1.5 billion rubles more than a year ago. More than three-quarters of debts were formed this year, concentrating in construction, mining and manufacturing.

Symbolic is the strike of about 300 construction workers in Dimitrovgrad, who work on the fourth-generation reactor, which not long ago was presented as a “revolutionary development”. Similar problems have been reported in the “Palitra” company in Leningrad region, where salaries have not been paid since May, as well as at enterprises that fulfill orders for military structures, transport projects, and housing construction.

The social effect is obvious: 60 % of russians don’t have any savings to get them through even a short-term financial pause. The rise in housing prices only deepens the crisis. Only 8.3 % of people who work are able to save up the necessary down payment in two years, while the average savings period has tripled in five years and now stands at more than six years for a person with a typical salary.

Against this background, the state is tightening its control. The fsb is expanding its access to citizens’ financial information, including credit histories, securities registers, and even correspondence with banks. Banks must store voice messages, video recordings, and other customer materials. This means that financial instability is combined with increasing pressure from special services, creating an atmosphere of hopelessness.

The situation is already critical, but the trends show that debts will grow, social tension will increase, while state control over private life will only tighten.