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Russia Weighs 10% Budget Cuts To Non-Sensitive Spending

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

The Russian government is reportedly preparing to implement a 10% cut in non-sensitive spending for this year’s budget, contingent upon the sustainability of surging oil prices triggered by the conflict in Iran. This proposed measure comes as Russia grapples with declining energy revenues and a slowing economy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Adjusting To A Tightening Fiscal Environment

As the war in Ukraine approaches its fifth year, Russia faces a combination of falling export revenues and weakening domestic economic activity. Lower income from energy exports, together with slower tax growth across other sectors, is tightening the federal budget. Officials are therefore evaluating measures to strengthen the national reserve fund and prevent it from being depleted. Spending reductions in non-priority areas are being considered as part of this approach.

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Sources familiar with internal discussions say the Finance Ministry has been tasked with identifying expenditures that could be postponed or reduced. Infrastructure projects such as road maintenance and new construction initiatives may be delayed, while politically sensitive areas, including defense spending and public sector wages, are expected to remain protected.

Balancing Short-Term Gains Against Long-Term Fiscal Health

Recent increases in global oil prices have provided temporary relief. Higher prices followed escalating tensions involving Iran and disruptions to key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, which increased demand for alternative oil supplies.

Nevertheless, analysts warn that such gains may prove temporary. Reliance on volatile energy markets makes long-term fiscal planning difficult, prompting Russian officials to consider spending cuts regardless of short-term revenue improvements.

Senior officials have already discussed potential adjustments to fiscal policy during meetings chaired by President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has previously indicated that the government may revise the official oil price “cut-off” used in the budget framework to better reflect changing market conditions and protect the reserve fund.

Implications For The Russian Economy

The proposed cuts arrive at a time when ordinary Russians are already feeling the pressure of rising inflation and high interest rates, even as the full economic impact remains limited by the gradual nature of the slowdown. With budget energy revenues having dropped sharply in early 2026 and overall income falling by 11%, the government is bracing for a deficit estimated at 1.6% of GDP.

Despite potential short-term relief from increased oil prices, the overarching fiscal strategy appears to be one of caution and restraint. In an environment exacerbated by Western sanctions that hamper global energy sales, every expenditure is being scrutinized for its essential value.

The evolving situation underscores the delicate balance between leveraging transient market gains and enforcing austerity measures that may have long-term economic repercussions. As Russia navigates these turbulent financial waters, industry observers and policymakers alike will be watching closely for further developments.

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Iran-Linked Hackers Shut Down U.K. Power Plant For Four Days

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 25, 2026

A small U.K. power plant was taken offline for four days in July after a cyberattack reportedly linked to hackers tied to Iran, according to The Telegraph. The incident was not considered a threat to the wider U.K. energy system, according to the government.

U.K. Government Declines To Assign Blame

A government spokesperson declined to identify the facility or confirm who was behind the attack. The government said the incident affected a small-scale generator and did not threaten the wider energy system.

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“The U.K. has a highly resilient energy system. We work closely with the energy sector to protect infrastructure and ensure the highest security standards,” the spokesperson told CNBC.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it had briefed energy executives and written to companies about further measures. The department is also updating cybersecurity regulations for the energy sector.

U.S. Agencies Warned Of Iranian Cyber Activity

The reported attack came as U.S. authorities warned that Iranian cyber actors were targeting critical infrastructure. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, FBI, Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies said Iranian actors had targeted water facilities across at least seven U.S. states.

U.S. officials have also warned that Iranian cyber groups could target businesses and infrastructure in response to the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran.

On Aug. 18, the U.S. Department of Justice charged 17 Iranians over what it described as a “massive cyber theft campaign” carried out on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian entities.

Iran Has Also Faced Cyberattacks

Iran has also been targeted by major cyberattacks. In June, blockchain analytics firm Elliptic said hackers stole more than $90 million from Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

According to Elliptic, the funds were moved from Nobitex wallets to addresses containing messages referencing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The pro-Israel hacking group Gonjeshke Darande, also known as Predatory Sparrow, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The reported U.K. incident adds to a series of cyberattacks involving critical infrastructure and state-linked actors. Energy companies and other infrastructure operators are facing growing pressure to strengthen defenses as cyber operations become increasingly tied to geopolitical conflicts.