I really don't see how you can't understand simple English. Russian GDP is not "dropping to 12.4% growth". It is dropping BY 12.4%. That is, it is SHRINKING by 12.4%. It is becoming less. It is not growing. It is shrinking. If it was (let's say) 100, it will become 87.6. I really don't see how I could make it clearer. You are so incredibly biased, in your mind, that you just cannot understand that simple concept. Russian economy is catastrophically contracting.
Maybe because your "simple" English isn't as good as you think? When you say Russian GDP drop in 2022, according to Russian Economy Ministry's forecasts, will be 8.8% to 12.4%. This - to me - reads as "The Russian GDP drop will be (by) 8.8% to 12.4%". If I wanted to say the GDP was going to be negative I would specifically say that: GDP will be negative 12.4%. Or, the range of contraction will be between 8.8 to 12.4%. Obviously that makes a much bigger difference, AND it makes much more sense (given what has been happening). Another way - since we're discussing English is to use the word "contraction" in relation to GDP. That's is frequently used to show what you're now finally clarifying is happening.
You cannot argue with Pro Russians. Most of them are too stupid to understand what is really happening. And those who understand are in denial of what happens and what will happen in future.
Yes, it means "Russian GDP drop will be (by) 8.8% to 12.4%". It doesn't mean "Russian GDP growth drop will be...".
Right, that reads as "Russian GDP drop will be 8.8%, to end up at 12.4%." It can be read both ways. You're just looking to take his side because of our other disagreements. This is why when talking about negative GDP, the word "contraction" is typically used - especially considering the significant range of uncertainty.
There seems to be someone in the back. You can just see the head. I don't want to even think of what he is trying to do. That's probably Cuddles.