Hard Numbers

Hard number: Russia’s oil windfall

The revenue generated by Russia’s main oil tax in April amid the Iran war, per Reuters calculations. The amount is double last month’s revenue, and up by 10% from this time last year.

The revenue generated by Russia’s main oil tax in April amid the Iran war, per Reuters calculations. The amount is double last month’s revenue, and up by 10% from this time last year.

Natalie Johnson

The Iran war has pushed Brent crude prices to $100 per barrel, up from around $70 before the conflict began. One of the main beneficiaries was a country not fighting in the war: Russia. The Kremlin relies heavily on its oil and gas exports, which account for between 30% and 50% of the government’s budget. As such, the global surge in prices has provided a welcome boost to Moscow amid its own war effort in Ukraine.

More For You

- YouTube

Ian Bremmer breaks down the complicated reality inside Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro’s removal from power. While the Trump administration sees the operation as a major foreign policy victory, Ian argues the harder challenge is only beginning; turning Venezuela into a stable economy and a representative democracy.

Noam Bettan from Israel with the song "Michelle" are on stage at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) during rehearsals for the first semi-final on May 12, 2026, in the Stadthalle.
Jens Büttner/dpa via Reuters Connect

Even Eurovision cannot escape geopolitics, South Africa’s constitutional court opens door to Ramaphosa impeachment vote, Zelensky’s former right-hand man accused in corruption probe