Features
CONFERENCE CALL: Globsec basks in Putin's humiliation
In contrast to previous conferences of the Bratislava-based security think-tank, there was a feeling that the West is no longer on the back foot and that now is the time to press home its advantage.
War and soaring prices take toll on Southeast Europe's listed companies
Even companies without operations in Russia or Ukraine are affected by the supply chain disruptions and hikes in food and energy prices.
PROFILE: Dmitry Konov, the Russian executive appealing against sanctions
Konov is part of a group of executive innovators who have reformed post-Soviet private companies into high-performing players but who have found themselves sanctioned by the EU.
Russian focus on Severodonetsk leaves Kherson susceptible to Ukrainian counter-offensives
Russia’s intense focus on capturing cities in Eastern Ukraine, particularly the major assault on Severodonetsk, has left Russian troops vulnerable to Ukrainian counter-offensives in the Kherson region.
Kyrgyzstan’s big-dollar deal with newbie Chinese company raises questions
Bishkek is pinning its industrial hopes on a small Chinese company with no past. The opaque arrangement reflects how Kyrgyzstan’s government does business.
Russian forces in Donbas push Ukraine troops to the limit
Moscow is now making steady progress in Donbas, bne IntelliNews’ correspondent reports from outside Bakhmut, the latest target of the Russian offensive.
Ukrainian refugees in Poland to lift economy but will not cure demographic woes
Poland has long struggled with a huge undersupply of labour, but while the influx of 1.5mn Ukrainians will meet the needs of sectors, the impact will be uneven.
Russian banking business starts to return to normal but sanctions headaches persist
By the end of April the acute phase of the crisis induced by the start of the war in Ukraine was clearly coming to an end. The financial system had a shock but fast action by the CBR prevented a crisis.
Three landmark legal verdicts strengthen LGBTI rights in Southeast Europe
Despite growing anti-LGBTI rhetoric from politicians across Europe, courts in Bosnia, Bulgaria and Croatia issued rulings reinforcing protection for the rights of LGBTI people.
Russia seeks ‘new Mariupol’ in the Donbas
Since mid-April, Russia has focused on capturing the Donbas. In the last week it seems as if Ukraine’s leadership is preparing the nation for a major defeat.
EU’s credibility on the line over enlargement
Austria’s foreign minister calls enlargement the EU’s biggest geopolitical instrument – but will member states use it to encourage candidates and would-be candidates at the upcoming EU Council?
Explainer | Why Tajikistan’s Pamiris don’t trust their government
Dushanbe wants obedience but treats the region as something to be exploited and ignored.
Meet the latest Russian tycoon to be promoted to the Premier League
AFC Bournemouth won promotion to the Premier League this season. The club has seen remarkable success since it was bought by Russian petrochemicals trader Maxim Demin, but its owner is yet to give any interviews in English.
Ruble falls to below RUB60/$1, putting pressure on the Russian budget in 2022
Russia’s ruble continued to rally strongly, dropping below the psychologically important RUB60 to dollar barrier again this week, its strongest level in four years. Russia’s national currency has been on a wild ride that will hurt the budget.
Belarus announces next stage in “surprise inspection” of its armed forces
Lukashenko’s attempt to save face via mixed messages of peace and increased threats of war with the West and Ukraine haven’t got him very far and many Belarusians are more than eager to bring the fight to Lukashenko.
Poland expected to avoid hard landing
Rampant inflation has already eaten into household incomes, while more expensive credit will tighten wallets. The question is how deep the slowdown will be.
Anthems of victory: How Ukraine is winning the online culture war
Whilst all eyes are on Donbas as Russia continues its devastating invasion of Ukraine, another war is being fought on our TVs, phones and computers: the culture war. From the start, Ukraine has been quick to establish the cultural narrative.
Western sanctions block $16bn-$18bn worth of Belarusian exports
Belarus' prime minister said that Western sanctions had blocked almost all the country's exports to the EU and North America.
Just another day in Ukraine's hell
Ukrainian refugees seek shelter from heavy shelling in a school's basement as Russian troops grind ever closer.
Turkmenistan: Car and beauty bans further erode women’s rights
Fresh prohibitions have crushed hopes that newly appointed 40-year-old president Serdar Berdimuhamedov would pursue a more enlightened path.
