The Russian economy is unlikely to rise above 2 percent in 2014 amid investor uncertainty over the possible impact of sanctions, says the Economic Development Minister.

      According to Alexey Ulyukayev, GDP is expected to grow 1.8-1.9 percent undermined by capital flight worth $100 billion.

      A military invasion of Crimea would cost the Russian economy some three percent of GDP, says Vedomosti.

      Earlier, Russia-IC reported on the possible repercussions of sanctions and investors’ fears on the pace of economic development.

      For example, Bank of America Merrill Lynch forecast that Russia’s GDP would shrink some three percent. The transit of natural gas to European consumers worth $30 billion may be disrupted, too.

      The EU may eventually block the construction of the South Stream pipeline and switch to other energy sources in a move towards an economic boycott.

      Public spending is bound to go up to pay for Crimea’s absorption. The Russian authorities have pledged financial aid to the residents of the autonomy whose budget is facing a $1 billion deficit.

      According to Vedomosti, Russia’s 2013 GDP totaled 66.689 trillion roubles.

      The events in Ukraine have prompted a slide of the Russian stock market and the national currency.

      Read more on the Ukraine crisis on Russia-IC.