Russian billionaires 'volunteer' to fund state budget after closed-door meeting with Putin, Reuters reports
Wealthy Russians have already contributed a total of 471 billion rubles (over $5.6 billion) to the state budget in 2026, according to Reuters. The payments are listed as "voluntary receipts" in budget documents.
Russian billionaires have donated over 1% of Moscow's 2026 state budget, Reuters reported on October 2, citing state budget documents. The voluntary contributions totaled 471 billion rubles, or approximately $5.6 billion. These donations followed a private meeting in March with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attendees, many of whom are under Western sanctions, remain undisclosed.
Putin reportedly agreed to a "very large sum" offered by one participant, stating that wealthy Russians, who amassed their fortunes under state ties, had an obligation to support the budget. Despite these donations, Russia still faces a budget deficit of $87 billion, or 3.2% of its GDP, twice the state goal of 1.6%.
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