A "Z-economist" Caused A Panic On Russian Radio

• 8.11.2026, 15:11

His words were cut from the broadcast.

The Russian propaganda radio station “Komsomolskaya Pravda” edited out part of its broadcast featuring Z-economist Alexei Zubtsov. In the deleted segment, he explained that bills at coffee shops and restaurants in Russia have doubled over the past couple of years.

Dialog.UA looked into the details.

Zubtsov confirmed that Russians have been visiting dining establishments significantly less often. For most Russian citizens, not only restaurants but also coffee shops have become unaffordable. These remarks were later edited out of the broadcast recording.

“I was also very surprised by the 100–200-ruble increase in the price of a cup of coffee. It’s practically everywhere. If a couple of years ago it cost 100 (rubles—ed.), today it’s 200. Well, coffee itself has gotten more expensive. Plus, labor costs have risen—staff are getting more and more expensive. As a result, this 100-ruble difference per cup has turned out to be significant for Russians, and they’ve started drinking much less coffee. It’s the same story in restaurants. We’ve seen prices rise by 1.5 to 2 times in recent years. As a result, a great many people are simply choosing not to eat out. It’s just too expensive,” said the Z-economist.