Russia's finance minister, Anton Siluanov, is pushing back against Western sanctions, claiming they won’t derail the country’s economic growth. Despite international pressure, he insists the Russian economy is resilient and will keep expanding.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just chest-thumping—it’s a signal to both domestic and international audiences. Russia wants to project strength amid economic strain, but the reality of sanctions is more complicated. If the economy holds up, it could embolden Moscow; if not, the rhetoric may crumble. Either way, it’s a key moment in the sanctions standoff.