First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov reported that during the Wagner PMC revolt led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, demand for cash rose sharply, with a 30 percent increase nationwide and as much as 80 percent in the southern regions. He highlighted that the situation was stabilized and no emergency occurred, a point he reiterated during a televised address that was shared on the Star television channel.
Belousov pointed out that cash demand surged most noticeably in the south, naming the Voronezh, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions as well as major urban centers where demand climbed about 70 to 80 percent. He attributed the relief in the liquidity squeeze to the diligent work of the Central Bank of Russia and noted that the trend toward cash demand had already begun to ease by June 25. The deputy prime minister underscored that this easing reflected a controlled response and careful management of currency flows rather than a breakdown in financial services.
In parallel with currency dynamics, Belousov observed a pickup in consumer goods demand in the same areas. He affirmed that trade did not suffer any disruptions and that there were ample reserves to meet consumption needs. This combination of steady commerce and adequate stockpiles helped maintain market stability despite the regional pressures created by the unexpected upheaval.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin directed the deputy prime ministers to oversee the restoration of road infrastructure following the military episode, signaling a national priority toward swift rehabilitation of transport networks and the reestablishment of normal economic activity in affected zones. This directive was communicated in the context of a broader government response aimed at smoothing logistics and supporting regional recovery efforts. [Source: Star TV channel report]