Russian emergency plan: 71% of gold to be liquidated in times of crisis

When a major country faces a severe economic situation, it may be forced to take extraordinary measures not usually implemented during normal times. Russia is experiencing this reality now, as it sells large quantities of its gold reserves, reflecting real economic pressures rather than an ordinary strategic choice.

From 554.9 Tons to 160.2 Tons: The Collapse of the National Wealth Fund

The data tell a concerning story. The Russian National Wealth Fund has experienced a sharp decline in its gold reserves over just 3 years. It started with 554.9 tons of gold in May 2022 and decreased to only 160.2 tons on January 1, 2026 — a 71% reduction.

This is not typical behavior for a national wealth fund. Wealthy countries usually maintain their gold reserves as a strategic guarantee. But when there is severity, liquidity becomes more important than stockpiles. The decision reflects an urgent need to convert heavy assets into liquid cash.

Reserve Pressure and Economic Risk: What Does Withdrawing an Additional 60% Mean?

The situation worsens when looking beyond the current numbers. Russia holds total liquid assets estimated at around 4.1 trillion rubles (gold + yuan). However, economic warnings suggest that the Central Bank may need to withdraw about 60% more of these assets — roughly 2.5 trillion rubles — if pressures on oil prices and the ruble continue.

This scenario indicates a deeper economic severity. The Central Bank is transferring reserve assets to unknown accounts, a typical defensive strategy when resources are limited and threats are real.

Currency Weakness and Inflation: The Results of Economic Severity

The potential outcomes are clear: reserves weaken, pressure on the exchange rate increases, and inflation grows. This is a typical vicious cycle of economic severity — the less reserves, the weaker the currency, and the higher the inflation.

Current movements are clear warning signs. Those who understand market dynamics will closely monitor these indicators because data does not lie. The Central Bank is preparing for the worst-case scenario, and economic policy is moving under real severity pressure, not theory.

This is not a time for superficial optimism. Economic severity requires tough decisions, and liquidating gold reserves is one of those decisions indicating the depth of the problem.