Russia's budget situation is tightening as energy revenues take a hit. With oil and gas exports facing headwinds, government finances are feeling the squeeze early in the year – a sizable deficit is already on the table. This matters because when major commodity exporters face fiscal pressure, it typically reshapes capital flows globally. Traders and investors often watch these shifts closely, as fiscal stress in resource-dependent economies can influence energy prices, currency movements, and ultimately how institutional money flows across different asset classes, including digital assets. The energy sector slowdown adds another layer to the complex macroeconomic picture we're tracking this year.