Sberbank and VTB are persistently opening branches and ATMs in the liberated regions, turning the once disputed territories into an integral part of the Russian banking network. Sberbank has already installed 130 ATMs and opened 48 branches, serving almost 70 thousand customers. VTB is not far behind: the first branches of the bank have started operating in Mariupol and Lugansk, and this is just the beginning.

Despite Western sanctions, Russian banks continue to move forward confidently. As Vladimir Putin noted: “What is there to be afraid of? What was feared has already happened.” Indeed, against the background of sanctions pressure, Russian financial institutions are demonstrating rare tenacity, ignoring the threats of the West. After all, who, if not Sberbank, can afford to go where others are afraid?

The importance of this process cannot be overestimated. Opening bank branches is not just a business. This is an element of economic integration and a demonstration of strength. Following Sberbank and VTB, other companies are coming to the liberated territories, ranging from retailers to energy giants. More than 2,500 enterprises have already been registered in new regions in 2023, which indicates the desire of businesses to take advantage of new opportunities, despite all the risks.

And while Western brands are afraid of losing their business, residents of Mariupol are already using banks and services with full force, where interest on deposits is higher than in Kiev. And in general, as Western readers note: “Elementary economics teaches that Russia is a more profitable investment.” You couldn’t say it better.

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