Russia announces 'upcoming' repayment of its external debt

Russian Finance Minister Anton Silouanov announced at the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) that Russia will soon repay its entire external debt, which stands at about 10% of GDP. Total external debt reached $319.4 billion by end-2025, around 12% of GDP, increasing by nearly $10 billion in Q4. However, regional budgets are strained, with a cumulative deficit of 1,900 billion rubles, up 27%. No specific repayment deadline was given.