Despite official claims of a thriving economy, economist Igor Lipsits reveals the true state of the Russian economy, with widespread poverty, low wages, and high debt, expecting further stagnation after the presidential election. Russia's GDP growth does not translate into improved living conditions for Russians, as millions are on the brink of poverty or already living below the poverty line. Lipsits' insights shed light on the contradiction between Russia's resilient wartime economy and the hardships faced by its population, including low wages, high debt, and soaring inflation.