Russia
BRICS currency is coming soon, Iranian ambassador
Iran is actively participating in initiatives under Russia's leadership in BRICS, with the two countries working towards creating a single currency for the bloc, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said to local media.
Instigator of claims against Usmanov accused of intimidating lawyers
The leader of a group of former shareholders who was at the centre of a years-long dispute with Russian metallurgical company Metalloinvest and its sanctioned shareholder Alisher Usmanov has been accused of putting pressure on lawyers.
Russian courts seize UniCredit, Deutsche bank Russian assets
Russian courts ordered the seizure of UniCredit's and Deutsche bank assets, accounts, property, and shares on May 18
Yandex parent closes Russia exit to focus on AI startups in Europe
Yandex wants to focus on a collection of AI-related businesses that it aims to build up into a major European tech player.
Turkey simply relabels Russian oil products and exports them to Europe, research indicates
Country appears to have quite brazenly emerged as a strategic pitstop for fuel products from Russia rerouted to the EU.
The use of the ruble in EU trade settlements reaches a record $15.2bn in March
The use of the ruble in settlements for goods and services exported by Russia to European partners was up 58.5% in March 2024 to record levels, according to data from the Central Bank of Russia.
MOSCOW BLOG: Putin's guns and butter plan
Russian President Vladimir Putin was on a lovefest to China this week as the two continue to move closer together. But before he left, Putin told its military bosses that they need to focus on both guns and butter as he plans for the long term.
“Guns and butter” are both important, Putin tells military commanders
Defence spending has overtaken social spending and now accounts for 8.7% of GDP, Putin says, but spending on National Projects is just as important for Russia's long-term development, Putin told his military commanders.
BOFIT: Putin visits China; US sanctions also make trade between China and Russia more difficult
Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled May 16 on a state visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping in a display of the increasingly close ties between Moscow and Beijing, despite the threat of more sanctions.
Global warming acceleration at its peak but the La Nina effect this year will reduce temperatures less than expected
Global temperature is now near its peak due to El Niño aerosol decrease. How far will it fall in the coming La Niña? Less than expected.
US says sending military “trainers” to Ukraine is “inevitable”
In another step in the creeping escalation, the US said sending military trainers” to participate in the War in Ukraine is “inevitable"
Putin, Xi hold in-depth wide-ranging talks in Beijing in symbolic meeting
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have jointly called for a political resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, during the latter's visit to Beijing on May 16.
US Secretary of State Blinken says Ukraine free to use US-made weapons to strike Russia
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Ukraine has to “make its own choice” when deciding to use US-made weapons to strike targets inside Russia.
EBRD 2024: Banks still scrambling to keep up with Russia sanctions
Multiple packages of sanctions have been imposed on Russia since the invasion Ukraine, their scale and scope dwarfing those placed on other nations.
EBRD 2024: Geopolitics forces dramatic shifts in Emerging Europe trade patterns
EBRd report finds sanctions and trade disruptions have led to transformations in trade patterns across the Emerging Europe and Central Asia region.
CAUCASUS BLOG: Where next for Georgia – revolution or elections?
What happens now after the controversial Russian-inspired “foreign agents” law was passed by the government on May 14?
US Secretary of State Blinken assures continued support for Ukraine in surprise visit amidst Russian offensive
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on May 14, reaffirming America's commitment to Ukraine amidst Russia's intensified offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
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Russia ups budget revenues 50% in 4M24, deficit widens
The Russian federal budget posted revenue growth of 50% year on year to RUB11.7 trillion ($128bn) in 4M24, achieving revenue growth rate of 41% y/y in April 2024 alone, according to the preliminary data from the Finance Ministry.
Russia prepares a crackdown on crypto
Russia is preparing a crackdown on cryptocurrencies in a bid to establish control over the segment that so far has been operating largely under the radar.
ASH: Ukraine - running through the numbers
Lots of figures are thrown around about the cost of supporting Ukraine in its defence against the Russian invasion. I have myself used a $100 billion a year price tag for keeping Ukraine in the war, and likely a $50 billion a year post-war.