14:36 29 August 2025
Russian Businesses Urge Putin for Compensation Over War Losses
Russia’s leading business association has appealed to President Vladimir Putin, demanding compensation for costs linked to protecting industrial sites from Ukrainian drone attacks and rebuilding damaged facilities. The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), led by Aleksandr Shokhin, proposed tax relief mechanisms, including deductions from excise duties on oil, steel, and gas.
According to Vedomosti, companies argue they are forced to spend heavily on security measures such as fencing, surveillance systems, armored structures, and electronic warfare equipment, as well as restoring destroyed plants. Five oil refineries are currently offline due to strikes. Business leaders want half of these expenses covered by the state, with retroactive effect from January 2025.
The Finance Ministry rejected the proposal, citing a budget already strained by war costs. Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Sazanov stressed that compensation could only be considered individually, through documented subsidies or transfers. Economists note businesses are bearing war burdens despite lacking responsibility for the conflict.
