Putin announced a technological breakthrough in Russia: real data indicates otherwise.

According to ТСН: The Russian leader Putin again made false claims about 'almost full employment' of the population and an 'inevitable technological breakthrough' in the country, while in reality the economic situation looks quite different.

According to the information from the Center for Counteracting Disinformation, after signing a decree on the holding of the so-called 'Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia' in 2026, Putin seized this opportunity to spread propaganda. He claimed that 97.8% of Russians are employed, but in reality, Russia is reducing the number of paid positions in higher education institutions, narrowing educational opportunities for youth, and effectively forcing people to either work in the military or at enterprises of the military-industrial complex.

The Real Situation with Unemployment

The Center also noted that the term 'low unemployment' is used not as an indicator of economic development, but through manipulation of statistics and hidden unemployment. For example, employees of state enterprises are being transferred to a four-day working week, which is not reflected in statistical data.

The 'improved' results are also influenced by mobilization, war, and the sharp deterioration of the situation in the civilian labor market.

On Technological Breakthrough

Putin's statements about a 'technological breakthrough' and Russia's leadership in the field of artificial intelligence also do not correspond to reality. As noted by the Center, despite his words, the number of inventions in Russia has decreased to the lowest level in over 20 years.

Patent activity in the country has dropped by nearly 40% compared to pre-war times, and most of the so-called 'innovations' are actually secondary or borrowed solutions.

It was previously reported that while the Russian economy still has resources to wage war, it may face serious problems in 2026.

It was also noted that Israeli diplomat Arkadi Mil-Man expressed the opinion that if world oil prices fall by $10-15, this could have catastrophic consequences for the Russian economy.

Putin's statements, which diverge from reality, only underscore the authorities' attempts to control information about the economic situation. Only time will tell how the situation will actually impact society and the country’s economy.