Russia
Russia's leading discount store Fix Price to move into Serbia
Russian discount retailer Fix Price is preparing to enter the Serbian market, with plans to open several stores by the end of 2025. This marks the company's second attempt to establish a presence in Europe.
Putin tells Russia's oligarchs that the return of Western business will not be easy or cheap
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the country’s leading oligarchs that Western companies that “slammed the door” on Russia when they left the country after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine will not be allowed to repurchase their assets cheaply.
Trump gets PR win, but Putin concedes little in 30-day ceasefire phone call
US President Donald Trump gained a PR win after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy assets in a two-hour phone call on March 18.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
Russian official urges women to wear mini-skirts to boost birth rate
Russia is experiencing its most severe demographic decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union, prompting politicians from President Vladimir Putin to local councillors to propose measures to increase the population.
Iran, EEU free trade deal to take effect in mid-May
A comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will come into force on May 15, paving the way for stronger economic ties and potentially doubling trade volumes.
Trump to have key phone call with Putin to discuss terms needed to end the Ukraine conflict
Russia will agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, US President Donald Trump said ahead of a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Lithuania links Russian intelligence to arson attacks in Vilnius and Warsaw
Lithuanian prosecutors have accused Russian military intelligence of orchestrating an arson attack on an IKEA store in Vilnius in May, the Prosecutor General's Office said on 17 March.
Washington leans on Budapest to back down from veto threats
Hungary's government has backed down on vetoing European Union sanctions on Russia following direct pressure from Washington.
Serbia invites FBI to investigate use of sonic weapon at protest
Videos posted social media show protesters scattering after a loud sound, with some speculating that it was caused by a sonic cannon.
Putin extends diplomatic lifeline to Venezuela's Maduro in Victory Day invitation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to Moscow's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, celebrating the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Number of foreign-invested companies in Uzbekistan grows by 340 in February to 15,503
China continues to extend lead in ranking of number of companies foreign investors have set up and backed in Central Asia's second largest economy. Russia second, Turkey third.
Only rich people should be allowed to own cryptocurrency, Russia says
The Central Bank of Russia has proposed restricting cryptocurrency transactions to the wealthiest individuals, preventing most citizens from trading digital assets unless they meet stringent financial criteria.
Telegram CEO Durov returns to Dubai amid French investigation
Telegram founder has left France and returned to his adopted home of the United Arab Emirates after several months detention in the country.
Russia demands its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of ceasefire deal
Russia will insist on its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of any ceasefire deal to end the conflict in Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in remarks published on March 17.
European defence industry is the global growth laggard, says Statista
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for increased European defence spending under the ReArm Europe plan, but Europe is trailing the other major arms producers badly.
Economic warfare and the rise of Russia's shadow finance
As the US sanctions noose tightens around Russia’s ability to make and receive payments in dollars, the major oil firms are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency to settle trade deals.
Belarus asks Russia for a second nuclear power plant
Belarus has formally requested Russia's assistance in building a second nuclear power plant within its borders as electricity consumption rises.
Russia uses crypto in Chinese and Indian oil trade
Russian oil traders are said to uses cryptocurrencies in settlements for oil trade with China and India
Putin’s approval rating at 80%, trust remains high
Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to enjoy the trust of 83% of the Russian populace, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation.