Russia
Russian software firm Softline expects to grow 36% in 2025
Russian software major Softline reiterated its 2024 revenue growth guidance of more than 20% year-on-year (y/y) to RUB110bn ($96mn) and gross profit to grow by more than 27% y/y to RUB 30bn. EBITDA is expected to exceed RUB6bn, up 35% y/y in 2024.
Russian exiles flee war and persecution, seeking refuge in Mexico
In recent years, a growing number of Russian nationals have sought refuge in Mexico, escaping either the ongoing war in Ukraine or persecution due to their sexual orientation.
Western acceptance of gender transitioning is “horrifying” and “apocalyptic,” says Head of Russian Church
Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has denounced gender transitioning as a "horrifying trend" and "a sin," attributing it to the West's alleged abandonment of faith and rejection of traditional moral principles.
Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas reportedly bids for Lukoil’s Bulgarian asset
Lukoil aims to sell Bulgarian refinery and petrol stations after Sofia banned imports of Russian crude oil.
Russia, Belarus make first cross-border digital financial asset transactions
The first cross-border transactions using digital financial assets (DFA) between Russia and Belarus have taken place as both countries try to avoid US financial sanctions.
Hundreds from Ukraine’s elite foreign-trained brigade go AWOL as desertions mount
One of Ukraine’s flagship military units, the 155th Mechanised Brigade, trained in France and equipped with some of the best Western weaponry, has lost over 1,700 soldiers, who have abandoned their posts and gone AWOL, without firing a single shot.
Absent Slovak premier traced to luxury hotel in Vietnam
Journalists question how Robert Fico can afford hotel suite where the cost of two nights equals his entire monthly salary.
The war went badly for Ukraine in 2024
Ukraine lost more territory to the advancing Armed Forces of Russia (AFR) in the second half of 2024 than at any time since the initial invasion in 2024.
Serbia braces for possible US sanctions on Russian-owned oil company NIS
Serbian government braces for the potential economic and political ramifications of the US' decision as it seeks to balance relations with Russia and the West.
RIDDLE: Is Russia in a stagflation crisis?
In his recent article, the economist Vladislav Inozemtsev takes aim at those arguing that Russia faces an imminent economic crisis due to an unusual combination of high interest rates and inflationary pressures: "Stagflation."
CENUSA: Polish EU Presidency puts Russian hybrid threats in the spotlight
After six months under a Russian-aligned Hungarian presidency of the EU Council, the leadership has now passed to Poland, a strong critic of Russia’s disruptive influence in Europe.
Russia's PMI indices expand in December, but show the economy is starting to cool as war stresses take effect
Russia’s manufacturing and service sectors reported modest growth at the close of 2024 but also indicate a clear slowdown in economic activity as the stress caused by the war in Ukraine begins to take its toll.