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Russian industry entered a phase of stagnation in the second quarter of 2026, and the situation is unlikely to change in the near future. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of the report “Dynamics of Industrial Production in the Second Quarter of 2026,” which was cited by RBC in an article on the slowdown in industrial growth.

Olga Ponomareva, expert at the Economic Policy Fund of the Gaidar Institute, spoke to RBC about the economic impact of direct payments to the population, using Taiwan as an example, and compared this experience with the practices in Alaska, Macau, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Anastasia Levchenko, Researcher at the Gaidar Institute’s Industrial Organization and Infrastructure Economics Department, explained in a commentary for “Vzglyad” why gas prices in Europe remain high despite news of a ceasefire, and what consequences the energy crisis could have for the region’s economy.

Alexander Firanchuk, Senior Researcher at the Gaidar Institute’s International Trade Department, commented for Forbes on the results of a study comparing the actual performance of the Russian economy with a counterfactual scenario—that is, how the economy might have developed without the sanctions shock and large-scale fiscal stimulus.

On September 1, 2026, the first phase of the mandatory rollout of the digital ruble will begin in Russia. Initially, the largest banks and companies with annual revenue exceeding ₽120 mn will adopt this new payment method. Diana Golovanova, a research fellow at the Gaidar Institute’s Laboratory for the Analysis of Best International Practices, explained in a comment for “Finam” what advantages and limitations of the digital ruble citizens and businesses will encounter.

A partnership between Russian Post and Wildberries could provide the latter with much-needed logistical support; however, in practice, such assistance could be viewed as state support. “Svobodnaya Pressa” was told this by Alexey Vedev, Leading Researcher at the Gaidar Institute’s Financial Sector Department.

Starting September 1, 2026, new rules for requiring employees to work overtime will take effect in Russia. Olga Soldatkina, Researcher at the Gaidar Institute’s International Best Practices Analysis Department, explained in a comment for NEWS.ru why these changes are particularly important given the labor shortage and how they can protect employees from abuse.

Maria Girich, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, believes that suggested measures aimed to support of entrepreneurs, victims due to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacks, may reduce financial load on business, however, they will not intrinsically solve the issue of direct losses.

Ivan Ermokhin, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, explained in a commentary for News.ru, who will benefit from “garage amnesty”, which garages fall under its scope and why the law is important not only for citizens but also for the state.

Evgeny Goryunov, Head of Monetary Policy Department at the Gaidar Institute, spoke to Finam on the prospects of inflation in Russia and future solutions on the key rate.

A mass engagement in spontaneous gold mining, similar to the “gold rush” in the Klondike at the end of the 19th century, is unlikely today due to increased government control over the subsoil and the need to obtain mining licenses. This was explained to RIA Novosti by Antonina Levashenko, Head of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute.

Kirill Chernovol, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, spoke on the key innovations of the Federal law related to support of the development of the artificial intelligence technologies, which was approved on July 26, 2026. The principal provisions of the Federal law will come into force as from September 2026.

In some countries, gold prospecting can be not only an industrial activity, but also a tourist attraction or hobby. Antonina Levashenko, Head of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, spoke to RIA Novosti about specifics of such activity in different countries.

Kirill Chernovol, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, and Alexey Vedev, Leading Researcher of the Financial Sector Department at the Gaidar Institute, took part in the ”Den” program at the RBC channel.

Alexey Vedev, Senior Researcher at the Financial Sector Department of the Gaidar Institute, spoke to “Vyberu.ru” about the prospects for the Bank of Russia’s decision on the key rate in September.

Kirill Chernovol, Researcher at the Gaidar Institute’s International Best Practices Analysis Department, explained why Russia’s economic growth can coexist with a decline in rail freight volumes.