Russian economy faces structural decline as railway cargo volumes drop sharply

9 articles · Updated · UNITED24 Media · Apr 27

Russian Railways’ freight volume fell 13% from 2021 to 2025, reaching a 16-year low, with coal, oil, metals, and construction materials all declining.
RZD’s debt surpassed 3.3 trillion rubles and net profit collapsed, while overdue business debts across Russia hit $109 billion by January 2026.
Western sanctions and war-driven spending fueled the downturn, with the civilian sector stagnating despite official growth claims and the eastern export pivot failing to offset lost European markets.

How can Russia's freight volumes hit a 16-year low while passenger trains are fuller than ever?

Could a hidden $109 billion corporate debt crisis trigger Russia's next economic collapse?

While Russia's economy shrinks, which industries are secretly booming because of the war?

With its main railways failing, can Russia build new trade routes to Asia fast enough to survive?

Is Russia's war spending a lifeline for its economy or the final nail in its coffin?

If sanctions are crippling Russia's economy, how is the Kremlin still funding its massive war machine?