The Russian Ministry of Finance has denied claims that the National Welfare Fund could be used to settle the debts of Russian Post. In this context, RIA Novosti cited a source from financial and economic circles to clarify the position.
“The Ministry of Finance is not considering the option of covering Russian Post’s debts with funds from the National Welfare Fund”, the source asserted.
Late last November, Vedomosti, quoting its own insiders, reported that authorities were examining a potential rescue path for the state-owned carrier: the National Welfare Fund might assume responsibility for interest payments and loan repayments. The publication noted that Russian Post’s total indebtedness exceeded 111 billion rubles, with annual service costs estimated at 14-15 billion rubles.
Experts emphasized that there is no precedent for using the National Welfare Fund to underwrite corporate debt. The fund has historically been directed toward investments and co-financing across industries, and Vedomosti’s sources argued that the budget did not have surplus funds to directly finance the operator.
In mid-November, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin dismissed a proposal from the Ministry of Digital Development to make an infrastructure payment for marketplaces in favor of Russian Post, a development that drew attention to alternative financing discussions around the company.
Earlier reporting highlighted the losses accumulated by Russian Post, underscoring ongoing financial strain and questions about potential strategic support from state funds.