August M
For years, official figures suggested resilience.
But a closer look at industrial activity tells a different story beneath the surface, reports United24Media.
Signals from railways
Russia’s railway freight data is revealing deeper economic problems despite claims of stability, according to United24Media, citing Ekonomichna Pravda.
Rail transport, a key indicator of industrial activity, shows a steady decline in the movement of goods across the country.
Declining volumes
Freight volumes on the Russian Railways (RZD) network have dropped for several consecutive years.
By the end of 2025, total cargo traffic was down 13% compared to 2021, reaching its lowest level in 16 years.
The downward trend has continued into early 2026.
Key sectors hit
Major commodities that form the backbone of Russia’s economy have all seen declines.
Coal shipments have fallen by around 10% since the start of the war, while oil and petroleum flows remain below pre-war levels.
Transport of metals has dropped by more than 25%, and construction materials have also seen sharp reductions.
Financial strain grows
The downturn is also affecting the railway operator itself.
According to Ekonomichna Pravda, RZD’s debt has exceeded 3.3 trillion rubles, while profits plunged dramatically from 50 billion rubles in 2024 to just 2.3 billion in 2025.
Limits of eastern pivot
Efforts to redirect exports to the Asian markets have faced infrastructure constraints.
Rail capacity toward the east remains significantly lower than previous westward export routes, limiting Russia’s ability to replace lost European markets.
War masks reality
While official GDP figures showed growth in recent years, analysts say this was largely driven by military spending.
By early 2026, the economy entered contraction, with GDP falling into negative territory.
Wider economic pressure
The data suggests a broader slowdown in civilian industries.
Rising debt, delayed payments between companies, and weakening demand are adding further strain to the economy.
Observers say the figures highlight growing imbalances between wartime production and the rest of the economy.
Sources: United24Media, Ekonomichna Pravda
