Russia to face not only military defeats, but also serious economic consequences – former military prosecutor Chumak

He said this on Espreso TV. 

“I believe that if the Putin regime falls, his entourage will not have much room for maneuver. The fact is that by the end of the year, Russia will face not only military defeats, but also serious economic consequences from sanctions. If you follow the economic situation in Russia, the Russian budget deficit is growing month by month,” explained Chumak.

The former military prosecutor is convinced that the decline of the Russian economy will only intensify by the end of the year.

“Until the beginning of last year, when restrictions on oil and gas trade had not yet been imposed on Russia, the regime was still holding on. Now the consequences of the sanctions for Russia are only gaining momentum. Therefore, by the end of this year, the decline in the Russian economy will only increase. I don't want to make any predictions, but amid a falling economy and military failures, Putin will have little choice,” he added.

• On May 10, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that his country intends to play a leading role in a joint attempt to stop Russia's financial flows from the diamond trade.

• On May 19, the UK announced a new  sanctions package against Russia. The restrictions include companies associated with Rosatom.