1. Russia is planning to raise its Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 20% to 22%, increasing business costs for many, including small business owners like Marta Frolova.
- Frolova, who runs clothing stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg, has decided to close both due to the planned VAT rise and rising prices of imported fabric amid a falling ruble.

2. The US is imposing stricter sanctions on Russia, targeting its two largest oil companies last week and reportedly urging Chinese President Xi Jinping to stop buying Russian crude oil.
- This economic pressure from the US has contributed to growing uncertainty in the Russian economy.

3. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded its forecast of Russia's Gross Domestic Product growth for 2025 to 0.6%, reflecting concerns about the economy's resilience amid increasing domestic and international challenges.