OREANDA-NEWS Russia's budget deficit in 2025 may slightly exceed 1.7% of GDP as the economy cools at a faster pace than the authorities expected, and GDP growth for the year is now expected to reach 1.2%, a source familiar with the preparation of budget projections told reporters.

"We have already reviewed the deficit, it has become a little more – 1.7% of GDP. Maybe it will be a little more. I mean, the cooling is still going on, and the economy is slowing down faster than expected. ...It may be higher than 1.7%," the source said.