MOSCOW, April 2, 2026 Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted to a worsening economic situation, citing a 2.1% drop in GDP and significant losses from Ukrainian drone strikes on oil infrastructure, according to verified reports. Putin confirmed Russia’s economic downturn, stating that the country’s GDP has decreased by 2.1% compared to the previous year. He noted, *"Im Januar dieses Jahres ist Russlands Bruttoinlandsprodukt 2,1 Prozent niedriger gewesen als vor einem Jahr."* The OECD projects minimal growth for Russia’s economy, forecasting just 0.6% expansion in 2026. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil refineries, pipelines, and export ports have severely disrupted Russia’s energy sector. These strikes have temporarily disabled around 40% of Russia’s oil export infrastructure, costing an estimated $70-75 million in daily revenue losses. The Kremlin has yet to outline a comprehensive recovery plan, but the economic strain has forced Putin to seek additional financial support. The ongoing conflict with Ukraine continues to exacerbate these challenges, with no immediate resolution in sight. Russia’s economy has faced mounting pressure since the escalation of hostilities with Ukraine, with energy exports—a critical revenue source—increasingly vulnerable to military strikes.