The Russian IT sector is going through a systemic crisis amid sanctions-induced isolation and loss of access to Western technologies.
According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
According to the agency, over the past three years, more than 20,000 IT specialists have left the country, and there is almost no return of personnel; only about 300 specialists return each year.
As noted, foreign IT personnel previously accounted for up to 20% of the growth in personnel in Russian companies. In 2024, this figure fell to a critical 0.4%. The outflow of skilled workers is leading to the degradation of the industry, in particular, companies are forced to replace experts with internal reserves, which often do not meet professional standards.
“In parallel with the personnel crisis, repressive pressure is intensifying. The Moscow City Court has sentenced former Yandex programmer Sergei Irin to 15 years in prison for transferring $500 to the Ukrainian Foundation “Come Back Alive”, having accused him of treason. Such cases create an atmosphere of fear among the IT community,” the Foreign Intelligence Service noted.
According to intelligence reports, against the backdrop of sanctions-induced isolation, loss of access to Western technologies, and growing cyber threats, the Russian IT industry has fallen into structural decline.
As reported by Ukrinform, there is a decline in state support for Small and medium enterprises in Russia.
Photo: Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine
Source: Russian IT industry is in systemic crisis, losing personnel - intelligence
