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Sweden: Russia's Economy Fragile Despite Oil Revenue Surge

4/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Thomas Nilsson, Sweden's military intelligence chief, says Russia manipulates data to mislead Ukraine's allies about resilience amid sanctions and military spending.
He says Russia's economy is fragile despite rising oil revenues from the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, citing a $30 billion deficit understatement and higher inflation.
Sweden says Russia needs Urals crude above $100 per barrel to manage its deficit, after GDP contracted 1.8% recently.

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Story summary

Thomas Nilsson, Sweden's military intelligence chief, says Russia manipulates data to mislead Ukraine's allies about resilience amid sanctions and military spending.
He says Russia's economy is fragile despite rising oil revenues from the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, citing a $30 billion deficit understatement and higher inflation.
Sweden says Russia needs Urals crude above $100 per barrel to manage its deficit, after GDP contracted 1.8% recently.