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In Q1 2026, the Russian federal budget deficit reached 4.575T rubles, (20.87% higher than the planned annual deficit). Expenditures amounted to 12.885T, (17% higher than last year's level). Revenues were 8.2% lower (8.31T), oil and natural gas - 45.4% lower (1.443T). Non-oil and gas revenues increased by 7.1% to 6.866T. According to Rusprofile, women account for 45.5% (7.9 million) of all active individual entrepreneurs in Russia. Among sellers on the largest Russian marketplaces (Ozon, Wildberries), their share is steadily growing, and in some categories already exceeds 50%. At the same time, men dominate among company managers (1,650,262 versus 851,771). On February 20, 2026, according to the Moscow State University Meteorological Observatory, Moscow recorded its highest snow depth in 72 years of observations. The maximum snowdrift depth reached 80 cm. The previous absolute record was set on March 26, 2013 (77 cm). In many other regions of Russia, this winter also became the snowiest in recorded history. In 2025, the smartphone market in Russia contracted by 18%; 24.2M devices (588B rubles) were sold. In 2024, 29.8M (720B rubles). The leaders in units are Redmi (18%), Samsung (12%), Tecno (11%), Realme (11%). In terms of sales value, the top sellers are Apple (27%), Samsung (21%), Redmi (11%), Tecno (7%). The median price is 25,309 rubles (320 USD). In 2026, the per capita subsistence minimum in Russia will be 18,939 rubles (237 USD) per month (+6.8% compared to 2025), 20,644 - the working-age population, 16,288 - pensioners, 18,371 - children. Regions set their own subsistence minimums. It is the lowest total cost of food, goods, and services necessary for a person's life and health. In 2026, the minimum wage in Russia will be 27,093 rubles. More notes from Russia »
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Ask expert about Russia
Claire asks: Hello, I would like to visit Tuva with my dog Ulaan and spend a month or two there. Is it possible to find an English-speaking guide (I am French) as my Russian is practically nonexistent? What would the budget be, and how would I get there given the difficulties between our two countries? Thank you in advance for any answers you can provide.
Expert's answer:
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any direct contacts for guides in Tuva that might be helpful. Try contacting the Siberian tour operator Sayan Ring; they might be able to help you.

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