The article examines the transformation of Government Relations (GR) practices in Russia since the mid-2020s. Based on the analysis of industry research and a series of expert interviews with GR-specialists, key trends, risks and barriers are identified. It was found that the key trends were the growing importance of informal communications, the expansion of the range of interested industries (especially IT) and the mixed use of digital and offline tools with the dominance of personal contacts. The main risks include regulatory challenges, bureaucratization, and a shortage of qualified personnel. The study confirms that large business focuses on social investment and systemic interaction with government, while medium-sized businesses face barriers in the form of bureaucratic inertia, the lobbying advantage of large players and a lack of trust from the state. The conclusion is made about the priority of building trusting relationships between business and government for successful GR-activities.