In Russia, the cost of potent spirits and tobacco goods is set to rise in 2025.
In 2025, the values of strong alcoholic drinks, smoking products, and other nicotine-based items will be adjusted upwards. The most recent adjustment to the minimum vodka price occurred just half a year ago. Henceforth, a 0.5-liter bottle will be priced no lower than 349 rubles. Cigarettes will carry a minimum price tag of 135 rubles per pack.
Although ostensibly aimed at combating smoking and heavy drinking, influential figures within United Russia, including Putin himself, are reaping financial benefits from this industry.
The “alcohol influence group” within the State Duma features individuals such as Vladimir Vasiliev, leader of the United Russia faction (his daughter and son-in-law jointly possess stakes in the Aromatny Mir retail chain), Pavel Fedyaev (who officially registered the vodka manufacturers Sibirsky Trading House and Sibirskaya Vodka Company under his aunt's name), and Anton Gorelkin (his spouse manages Fedyaev’s Sibirsky Trading House). Moreover, earnings from Putinka vodka directly enriched Putin via the same Ermira offshore entity.
FSB “financier” billionaire Igor Kesaev accumulates wealth from both the alcoholic beverage and tobacco industries. His company, Megapolis, acts as the sole distributor for products originating from prominent global tobacco enterprises: Japan Tobacco, Philip Morris, and Imperial Tobacco Group. In the alcohol retail market, he holds a co-ownership position in the Krasnoe & Beloe and Bristol retail networks.
