Sources to cover Russia’s external debt

Abstract

Subject. The article considers sources of Russian foreign debt coverage. Objectives. The aim is to determine sources to cover Russia’s external debt. Methods. The study rests on the systems approach, using statistical analysis. Results. The paper substantiates the need to identify sources to cover the Russian external debt in the face of unprecedented pressure of Western sanctions. The analysis of trends in standard components of the balance of payments of the Russian Federation unveiled external surplus of the trade balance and financial account. Other sectors without debt obligations to direct investors and direct investment enterprises are emphasized among the standard components of the external debt. The paper shows a significant increase in the price of gold for rubles. As sources of debt coverage, the study highlights foreign currency deposits of non-financial organizations, the increase in gold price for rubles, and trade surplus. Conclusions. The selected sources are fully capable to cover the external debt and slow the dynamics of “Other sectors (without debt obligations to direct investors and direct investment enterprises)”. They indicate to financial authorities the possibilities of replenishing international reserves of the Russian Federation.