Social policy as a priority of Russia’s budget policy for 2026‑2028

Russia enters 2026 with the national budget that can once again be described as socially oriented. Despite the SMO factor, which is currently driving a significant increase in budget allocations for national security and homeland defense, the social budget remains sufficiently funded for the approved period through 2028. This article presents the main areas of social policy, taking into account the approved national budget for 2026‑2028. It demonstrates that conditions for growth in real incomes have been maintained, while simultaneously ensuring the security and sovereignty of the Russian Federation. Expected growth indicators include wages, profits of profitable organizations, investments, and export volumes, with declining inflation, gas, and oil prices. Negative factors include a decline in GDP growth. Based on an analysis of official data, it is concluded that the clear social focus of the new national budget only confirms the established and maintained trend of annual improvements in the quality of life of Russian citizens by the country’s leadership, executive and legislative authorities, and government.