Calendar, Weather, Seasonal Factors”: Putin Explains GDP Decline

“Calendar, weather, seasonal factors,” Putin said when explaining the drop in Russia’s GDP

The decline in Russia’s GDP observed in recent months is due to seasonal factors, Putin said at a government meeting on economic issues.

At the beginning of the meeting, Putin stated that GDP fell by 1.8% in the first two months of the year — mainly due to manufacturing and construction sectors.

He named fewer working days compared to last year as the main reason:

Among the reasons for the negative dynamics, specialists point to calendar, weather, and so-called seasonal factors. As I mentioned at the previous meeting, we know this well: in January this year there were two fewer working days than last year, and in February — one fewer working day.

By the end of 2025, Russia’s GDP grew by 1%, compared to over 4% growth the previous year. This is a direct consequence of the war: the state spends more on defense, and civilian sectors grow more slowly.

@meduzalive