Russia
COMMENT: Gulf states court Russia but stop short of strategic shift
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are increasingly backing Russia in its geopolitical and economic standoff with the West, but they have stopped short of fully embracing Russia.
New US oil sanctions, attack on Turkstream shake up global energy markets
The Biden administration imposed the harshest ever oil sanctions ever on Russia on January 10, which immediately roiled the international energy markets. Kyiv's attempt to destroy Russia's last gas pipeline to Europe unsettled markets further.
Putin-Trump summit planned — but where will it happen?
Both Serbia and Switzerland have offered to host talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US president-elect Donald Trump.
NEO: Why pick-up points for online orders are gaining popularity vs. home delivery
The share of European consumers preferring home delivery for online orders dropped from 73% to 64% over the past year, according to a Last Mile Experts study.
Russia’s war machine fed by free-flowing exports of Uzbek “guncotton” pulp, say reports
Shipments vital to nitrocellulose production used as explosive and propellant in shells, rockets and missiles.
Trump to hold talks with Putin in coming days, national security adviser reveals
US President-elect Donald Trump is planning a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days or weeks, according to Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser.
Russia's hidden war debt and a looming credit crisis
Moscow has been quietly pursuing a two-pronged strategy to finance its escalating war costs. In addition to the publicly scrutinised defence budget, it has set up a system of state-directed off-budget soft loans to boost unofficial military spending.
MACRO ADVISORY: Sanctions SITREP — only seven more sleeps
We are going to bed seven more times until the second Trump era begins. What's on the agenda?
Bolivia's lithium deals with Russia, China raise sovereignty concerns as state bears heavy risks
Bolivia's ambitious push to industrialise its vast lithium reserves has raised alarms over the risks assumed by the state in agreements with foreign companies.
Russo-China trade turnover rises 1.9% to $244.81bn in 2024
Mutual trade turnover trade between China and Russia reached a new record high of $244.81bn in 2024, marking a modest 1.9% increase from the previous year.
Russia labels media outlet as ‘terrorist organisation’ for first time ever
Russia’s Supreme Court has declared regional media outlet Komi Daily a terrorist organisation – the first time such a designation has been applied to a publication.
Serbia plans to buy out Russian stake in NIS following US sanctions
Sanctions reignited debates over Serbia’s foreign policy, as the country navigates its historic ties with Russia while facing Western pressure to align with EU and Nato policies.
"Danish model" funded 500% increase in Ukraine's domestic arms production in 2024
With US supplies of weapons expected to fall in 2005 and European stockpiles running low, Kyiv’s arms supplies are shifting from international purchases to boosting domestic production.
Russia’s Rosatom plans legal action over non-delivery of Siemens Energy parts for Turkey’s first nuclear plant
Germany's refusal to budge on issue forced Moscow to turn to China for required equipment.
US imposes toughest oil sanctions ever on Russia to improve Ukraine and Trump’s leverage in mooted ceasefire talks
The Biden administration has unveiled its most extensive sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas business yet in a bid to give Ukraine and the incoming Trump admiration more leverage in widely expected ceasefire talks that may start soon.
Slovakia’s Fico steps up anti-Ukraine rhetoric over gas cut-off
Slovak premier threatens to veto Ukraine votes at EU level.
MACRO ADVISORY: Interpreting Dostoyevsky for Gen-Z and Z Politicians
One of the most surprising legacies of last year is the revival of interest in, and discussion about, Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1921-1881), both outside and inside Russia. Quoting Dostoyevsky has become very fashionable in Russian political debates.
Putin seizes Russia beer market JV of Brussels-listed AB InBev and Istanbul-listed Efes
Kremlin rejects Belgian and Turkish partners’ plan to in face of sanctions swap Russia and Ukraine stakes.
BALKAN BLOG: Giving free energy to Transnistria could thwart Russia’s plans for Moldova
Energy crisis threatens to undermine confidence in the pro-EU government in Chisinau, paving the way for a Kremlin-backed party to take power after the 2025 general election.