Social media campaigns are currently celebrating Vladimir Putin’s economic achievements by comparing the situation in Russia in 1999 to today. These posts claim that Putin has "restored Russia's greatness" and highlight improvements in economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and average salary. While the figures cited are generally accurate, they often fail to provide crucial context. In 1998-1999, Russia was in a severe financial and economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation, a collapsing currency, and a partial default on its debt. This makes the current economic improvements appear more dramatic than they might be when viewed in full historical perspective. Russians recently participated in legislative elections, where only pro-Putin parties were allowed to run, ensuring a predictable outcome. Social media has since been flooded with pro-Putin messages, including visual infographics that compare Russia's economic state in 1999 to today. These infographics show that Russia's GDP has grown significantly, its debt has dropped, and living standards have improved. Supporters argue that these achievements justify Putin's leadership and highlight the contrast between Western criticism and the respect he receives domestically. However, economists caution that the comparison between 1999 and today is misleading. Julien Vercueil, an economist at the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales, points out that the figures are decontextualized. He explains that the Russian economy in 1999 was coming out of a severe crisis, with hyperinflation and a collapsing ruble. The growth in GDP and the reduction in debt, while real, are partly due to external factors such as rising global oil prices, not solely due to Putin's policies. Additionally, the current economic situation is being strained by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has disrupted infrastructure and economic activity. The war has also affected the accuracy of Russia's economic data. Independent organizations that could provide reliable statistics have been banned or repressed, making it difficult to assess the true state of the economy. Andrei Klepach, a respected Russian economist, warned that the war is putting significant pressure on the economy, potentially leading to a social crisis. He noted that Russia is lagging behind countries like China and the United States, and even behind Ukraine in some areas. Despite these challenges, pro-Putin narratives continue to emphasize economic progress, presenting Russia as strong and resilient in the face of ongoing conflict.