Russia's national debt reaches 16.7% of GDP

State borrowing grew by almost 10% in the first six months of the year

Russia's state debt rose by almost 10% in the first half of the year, as the government needed the funds to support the economy, Izvestia newspaper wrote on Friday, citing Russia's Accounts Chamber's report on budget implementation.

Government borrowing between January and June soared by 9.8% and is projected to reach 25