Russia
EU sanctions envoy takes on delicate “compliance” issues on visit to Kazakhstan
Given Russian-Kazakh economic integration, Europe cannot hope to stop every illicit shipment from the Central Asian country to Moscow’s war economy, but there are some notable successes.
Russian manufacturing PMI growth up a robust 53.1 points in January from 50.8 points a month earlier
Russia’s manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in six months in January, driven by a surge in domestic demand and a rise in new orders, according to the latest S&P Global Russia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index data.
Bomb blast kills pro-Russian paramilitary leader in Moscow
A bomb explosion in a luxury residential complex in Moscow has killed Armen Sarkisyan, a pro-Russian paramilitary leader from eastern Ukraine, in what authorities are treating as a targeted assassination.
COMMENT: Trump should do a deal with OPEC and tighten sanctions further to collapse the Russian economy
As its parting shot, the Biden administration imposed the toughest sanctions yet on Russian oil. The incoming Trump administration is changing tack and talking about negotiations, but should tighten sanctions further and cause Russia real pain.
Russia forced to turn to foreigners and criminals as Moscow military recruitment plunges fivefold
Military recruitment in Moscow has dropped fivefold since its peak in mid-2024, forcing Russian authorities to rely increasingly on foreign mercenaries, criminals and debtors to bolster troop numbers.
Belarusian firm providing Russia with military-quality microchips
A Belarusian state-owned enterprise has been supplying Russia with microchips crucial for missile production, using Western-manufactured equipment, components and raw materials in violation of international sanctions.
Moscow Exchange, SPBX report record trading volumes in 2024 amid market volatility
Russia’s leading stock exchanges reported record increases in total trading volumes in 2024, which saw a Russian IPO boom that is expected to continue this year.
Will the Nord Steam gas pipelines be turned back on soon?
The idea of restarting Russian gas deliveries to Europe via the damaged Nord Stream 1 & 2 pipelines has been introduced as a possible bargaining chip in the mooted Russo-Ukraine ceasefire talks. If it happens it would solve many of Europe's problems.
Russia to unveil new Kalashnikov in Abu Dhabi
NEW: Russian arms maker Kalashnikov set to showcase RPL-7 machine gun at next month's Abu Dhabi defence expo
Seven bid for Lukoil’s Bulgarian refinery, PM Zhelyazkov says
Lukoil has been actively seeking to sell its Bulgarian assets since December 2023, when Sofia banned imports of Russian crude oil.
Russian Orthodox Church to send more “military priests” to the front in bid to make army more religious – and beat Ukraine
The Russian Orthodox Church has announced plans to increase the number of military chaplains deployed with Russian forces in Ukraine fivefold, aiming to provide spiritual support and combat what it describes as the "brutalisation" of soldiers.
Russian military withdraws from Syria amid tensions with Damascus regime
Russian forces have begun withdrawing from Syria, with two cargo vessels, the Sparta II and Sparta, departing from the port of Tartus on January 30.
Germany’s Russian LNG imports surge over 500% in 2024, via other countries
Germany talks loudly about ending Europe’s imports of Russian gas, but as a result of alternative sources of energy, it has seen imports of Russian LNG soar by 500% in 2024 y/y, worth a total of €7.32bn, delivered via other European countries.
Russia blocks a record 417,000 websites in 2024 as the Kremlin tightens its control over RuNet
Russia blocked a record 417,000 websites in 2024, according to the independent monitoring group Roskomsvoboda, as the Kremlin tightens its grip over RuNet.
Russia is creating a list of LGBT+ citizens – and it could be made public
Russian authorities have escalated their crackdown on the LGBT+ community by creating a national database to track individuals associated with the group.
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Brazil's President Lula and Putin hold talks on Ukraine war and BRICS
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine conflict, trade and bilateral relations in a telephone conversation on January 27.
CAUCASUS BLOG: Is it the end of the honeymoon between Azerbaijan and Russia?
Tensions have risen following diplomatic exchanges over critical media reports and an unresolved investigation into a deadly air crash involving an Azerbaijani passenger plane.
Denmark approves preservation work at damaged Nord Stream 2 gas pipe
Denmark’s Energy Agency announced on January 28 that it had authorised Nord Stream 2 AG, a subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom, to carry out preservation work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea.
Trump calls on OPEC to ramp up oil supply
"Right now the price is high enough that that war will continue," Trump said at Davos.
Russian delegation visits Syria for first time since Assad’s fall
A high-level Russian delegation arrived in Damascus on January 28, marking the first visit since the ousting of Assad.