Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a strong appeal to the world. He urged all nations to increase pressure on Russia’s economy. According to him, this is a key moment. If the world acts quickly and strongly, it could bring the war closer to an end.
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has been keeping track of the impact of sanctions. These are the financial and trade restrictions placed on Russia by different countries. The goal is to weaken Russia’s economy and reduce its ability to continue the war.
He said, “The enemy’s losses — economic losses — are significant. They will become even more significant. I want to thank everyone worldwide who is helping. This is the moment to press Russia — press so hard that next year there will be no war.”
He made it clear that Ukraine’s goal is to force the Russian leadership to consider peace seriously. He said Russia must understand it cannot simply wait out Ukraine or Europe.
Zelenskyy believes that stronger sanctions will destroy Russia’s ability to keep fighting. He said, “Sanctions must truly remove Russia’s potential. We are working for exactly this.”
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Russia’s Civilian Economy in Deep Trouble
According to Zelenskyy and Ukrainian intelligence, Russia’s economy is already under heavy strain. While the government is trying to keep things going through military spending, most civilian industries are suffering.
In fact, the only civilian sector in Russia showing any major growth is the funeral business. This industry has seen a 16% increase in 2025. It reflects the human cost of the war and shows how other parts of the economy are not performing well.
One major example is Russia’s largest metallurgical plant, known as Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK). This plant has reported a sharp drop in profits in the first half of 2025. Compared to the same time last year, the company made nine times less money. That is a major fall and points to serious problems in heavy industry.
The metallurgical sector isn’t the only one facing problems. Ukrainian intelligence reports say that other sectors are also declining rapidly. Russian passenger air travel is facing extreme pressure. Intelligence reports suggest that air travel could collapse entirely in the coming years.
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A major concern is the loss of skilled workers and technical parts. Many international aircraft manufacturers have stopped dealing with Russia. This has made it hard for Russian airlines to keep their planes in the air.
The effect of sanctions is also visible in employment numbers. In 2025, a large number of Russian companies have announced plans to reduce staff. According to intelligence data, the number of firms planning to cut jobs has doubled in just six months. This suggests a sharp decline in business confidence and financial stability within the country.
Economic Strain Felt Across Key Sectors
The pressure on Russia’s economy is widespread. Key sectors such as metals, aviation, and general manufacturing are all struggling. The MMK plant’s fall in profits is just one example. Other steel and iron producers are also facing export troubles due to trade bans and sanctions.
Sanctions have not only targeted Russian goods but also financial services and access to global markets. Russian banks have been cut off from international systems like SWIFT. This has made it more difficult for businesses to operate across borders.
Russia’s aviation sector is another area facing collapse. With most Western-made planes grounded due to lack of parts, local airlines are trying to fly using old aircraft. Safety concerns are rising, and passengers are losing confidence in domestic travel options.
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At the same time, Russian businesses are struggling with inflation and supply chain issues. Many foreign brands have pulled out of the country, leaving gaps in the market. Local producers are unable to fill these gaps due to a shortage of imported machinery and materials.
Reports say that even basic items such as car parts and electronics are becoming harder to find. This has made life more difficult for ordinary people, and businesses are seeing a drop in sales.
The job market in Russia has been badly hit. With so many companies planning to reduce their staff, unemployment is rising. While the Russian government is trying to hide the full numbers, Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest that layoffs are becoming common across industries.
The funeral sector’s 16% growth paints a grim picture. While most industries are shrinking, this sector is growing — not due to economic success, but because of the high number of war casualties.
All this data points to one thing — Russia’s economy is weakening from all sides. Sanctions, war-related spending, lack of trade, and shrinking civilian sectors are creating heavy pressure.