Russia's economy has recorded its first contraction since 2023, with a 0.2% decrease in GDP in the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by escalating military spending. This decline marks a significant shift in the economic landscape, as it is the first drop in military-related economic activity in three years. The adjusted sentiment score for the military economy stands at 39, reflecting a cautious outlook among investors as they respond to the implications of increased defense expenditures on broader economic stability. Furthermore, the topic coverage has reached a notable 61, indicating heightened attention from market analysts and stakeholders regarding the potential long-term consequences of this fiscal strategy. The recent rate of change in sentiment shows a decline of -0.0837, further underscoring the growing concerns surrounding the sustainability of Russia's economic policies in the face of rising military costs.