Russia's federal budget deficit totals 1.7 trln rubles, 0.8% of GDP, in January; exceeds annual plan

MOSCOW. Feb 11 (Interfax) - Preliminary data indicate that Russia's federal budget was fulfilled at a deficit of 1.706 trillion rubles, 0.8% of GDP, in January, the Finance Ministry said in a monthly brief.

The budget law envisages a deficit of 1.173 trillion rubles, 0.5% of GDP, in 2025.

The Finance Ministry explains January's deficit level as primarily resulting from advanced financing of expenses in the first quarter, saying that this should not affect the quarterly trajectory and implementation of the target parameters for the structural balance for 2025 overall.