DISINFO: The World Bank and the IMF spread biased economic data about Russia
SUMMARY
The statements of the World Bank and the IMF regarding Russia have always been and will be biased - it is not surprising that they predicted a sharp decline in Russia’s GDP by the end of 2022. We should not forget that the main offices of these organisations are located in the United States, which is said to be the main adversary of Russia.
RESPONSE
Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative promoting the idea that international organisations such as the World Bank and the IMF are the Western puppets used to implement anti-Russian policies. The claim is made in the context of claims that Western sanctions would barely hurt or even benefit Russia.
The claim that the World Bank and the IMF spread biased economic data on Russia because these organisations are “based in the USA” is ungrounded. The World Bank and the IMF are reputable international organisations whose work is not driven by any anti-Russian bias. The research and analyses enjoy global resespt and recognition. The WB is part of the United Nations system but is owned by its member states.
It is estimated that in 2022, the Russian GPD reduced by 3.4% to 4.5%.
In addition, a recent study from Yale University takes a detailed look into the effects sanctions are having on the Russian economy, concluding that “business retreats and sanctions are catastrophically crippling the Russian economy.”
The claim is made during a period of time where the Russian Federation have either stopped publicising key macro economic data or changed the composition of data to obscure insight into the Russian national economy. For instance, consumer statistics and basic economic indicators are not published the same way as before 24 February 2022.
See also the assessment of EU HRVP Josep Borrell: sanction policy is working and strongly impacts the Russian economy.
Read also related cases : The New York Times reports that Russia is barely affected by sanctions, sanctions against Russia worsen the economic crisis in the West , Sanctions are beneficial to Russia so the West should recognise Crimea as Russian, FT: Thanks to sanctions Russian agriculture strengthens its position in the world, The EU lost more from sanctions than Russia, European sanctions against Russia do not work.