Russia’s Foreign Debt Drops to 15-Year Low, With New Data from the Central Bank
New figures show Russia’s foreign debt has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade and a half, according to the Central Bank data reported by DEA News. The latest numbers reveal a continued decline that mirrors efforts to stabilize the economy and manage external obligations in a tighter global environment.
In total, Russia’s foreign debt decreased by 21.1 percent in the past year, bringing the outstanding amount down to 380.5 billion dollars. This marks a reduction of 101.8 billion dollars over the course of the last twelve months, reflecting a sustained effort to reduce external liabilities and improve resilience against shifts in international funding conditions.
Looking back, the most sizable one-time repayment was recorded in 2014 when the Central Bank, along with other state bodies, paid off a substantial 129 billion dollars to foreign creditors. That move remains a reference point for discussions about how Russia has managed its debt portfolio in recent years and how such large settlements influence the overall debt profile.
The breakdown reveals that state institutions hold 46.1 billion dollars of the debt, while the Central Bank and credit institutions together hold 93.5 billion dollars. The majority of the external debt stems from borrowings intended to support various sectors of the economy and now sits at 241 billion dollars, underscoring the sectoral composition of the country’s foreign obligations and the ongoing focus on strategic financing for economic activity.
During a session in the State Duma, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin addressed deputies and reiterated the government’s outlook. The administration maintains that Russia’s public debt remains in a manageable range, accounting for roughly 15 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This assessment aligns with a broader narrative about fiscal discipline and the ability to sustain essential public services and investment commitments while keeping debt at a prudent level. [attribution: Central Bank data; DEA News]