FX.co ★ Russia Unemployment Rate Edges Up

Russia’s unemployment rate inched up to 2.2% in June 2026 from 2.1% a month earlier. The labor force expanded to 76.5 million from 76.3 million, its highest level since October 2025, while the number of unemployed increased to 1.7 million from 1.6 million. At the same time, employment rose to a new high of 74.8 million from 74.7 million, also the highest since October 2025, pushing the employment rate to 61.6%. Despite the slight uptick in unemployment, labor market conditions remain tight, reflecting persistent labor shortages across many sectors. These shortages are being driven by military mobilization following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, coupled with continued emigration. Authorities expect labor market constraints to endure, forecasting a worker shortfall of around 3.1 million by 2030.