Part 3/9:
Beyond these immediate financial indicators, Bernard insists that Russia’s fundamental economic structure is fraught with challenges. He disputes the notion that the nation boasts infinite resources, arguing instead that its claims to wealth are unfounded. A stark budget projection for 2025 places Russia's spending at around $463 billion, yet he challenges the validity of this number against his calculations of a GDP that may only reach $450 billion. The consistency of this financial discrepancy raises concerns about the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations.