The Global Jigsaw - Made in Russia: The Kremlin’s economic rebrand

Download Made in Russia: The Kremlin’s economic rebrand

Moscow is working around international sanctions by promoting self-sustainability, elevating Russian brands and deepening trade with friendly countries. After Western companies retreated as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine started, Russian consumer habits and the economy began to shift. We explore how sanctions reshaped everyday life and ask: can Russia sustain a forever war?

Krassi Ivanova Twigg speaks to the BBC's military and economy expert Tim Bowler, who has been tracking the movement of foreign companies in Russia's new reality. And Evgeny Poduvkin of the BBC Russia team explores the 'grey markets' where ordinary Russian citizens are acquiring western brands.

Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg
Producer: Kriszta Satori
Music: Pete Cunningham

Published on Thursday, 4th December 2025.

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