Stagflation Becomes Entrenched in Russia

In an interview, political scientist Alexander Libman explains how Russian President Putin is managing to stay afloat despite sanctions and what the West can do to make life more difficult for him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing what he can to keep the Russian economy afloat. (Photo: Dmitri Lovetsky / AP / dpa)

Interview Conducted by Benjamin Bidder

DER SPIEGEL: Mr. Libman, after four years of war, what does the Russian economy look like?

Libman: Russia is stuck in stagflation – a combination of growth stagnating near zero and high inflation. Unemployment is low, but only because labor is in short supply.