The Kremlin is preparing propaganda to shift the blame for tax increases onto the West

"Decisions are so unpopular that a separate propaganda campaign is needed to implement them," — noted one of the participants in closed meetings at the Kremlin.

The Kremlin held a series of non-public meetings with officials and loyal media to develop a new strategy for explaining the tax increases and to divert criticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to ThePublic.info, citing Financial Times.

At one of the meetings, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko was present. According to sources, the discussion focused on creating an informational narrative to justify the planned increase of VAT from 20% to 22% starting in 2026 — despite previous promises by Putin not to change tax policy until 2030.

To minimize public discontent, state media were given specific instructions:

• not to mention Putin in the context of VAT changes;

• explain the increase in taxes as external pressure from the West;

• focus on the "positive" aspects of the budget, including an increase in the gaming business tax.

The list of recommended phrases included:

«Your money or your life?»
«Nothing is more important than security.»

The Kremlin also advised media not to make the budget issue the main topic and to focus more on investments in schools, hospitals, and infrastructure to create a sense of stability.

According to analysts, this strategy indicates a narrowing of the economic maneuvering space for the Kremlin. The decline in revenue from energy exports and the tightening of sanctions force the Russian authorities to seek new tax sources, which in turn requires a propagandistic foundation.