Russia Monitor Articles
Russia Confronts Serious Technical Problems on the Pathway to Curb Crude Output
In line with the OPEC+ agreement struck in mid-April, Russia is bound to reduce its crude output by nearly 25 percent from May 1 onwards. But Moscow could be inept for such a large drop in production in just a two-week time.
Who Will Complete Nord Stream 2?
In December last year, the U.S. Congress voted to impose sanctions against any company that helps Russia go ahead with the last section of its Nord Stream energy pipeline. Thus, Russia has been left with no choice as the only way to complete the project is to finish pipelaying works beneath the Baltic Sea on its own.
Russian Oil Companies Squabble Over New OPEC Deal
A new deal struck in mid-April between major oil-producing nations to slash production is hugely unfavorable for Russia. But with this may come the closure of some of the country’s fields. No wonder that Russian oil companies are now wrangling over how to share out the state’s vowed reductions.
In the Balkans, TurkStream Pipeline Sees Further Delays
TurkStream, a brand-new gas pipeline running from Russia to Turkey, has been in operation since January, yet only partially. There is one string carrying Russian natural gas to Turkey.
Russia’s Shoigu Goes to a Monument War with the Czech Republic
Russia has been at odds with Prague municipal officials over the recent removal of a controversial statue of a Soviet World War II marshal in the Czech capital.
Russia Wages Spy War with Ukraine
The Ukrainian counterintelligence services have detained a security service general on accusations of working for Russia as a spy.
Coronavirus Crisis Hits Hard Russia’s Healthcare, Business and Military
The epidemic outbreak is sending new shockwaves across Russia. On April 14, the country confirmed 2,774 new coronavirus infections, bringing its official figure to 21,000 and marking a one-day record in new cases.
Small Russian Oil Firms Ask Prime Minister for Help
Deprived of both big resources and state aid, small oil companies are more affected by plummeting oil prices worldwide, which prompted them to call the government for help.
Coronavirus in Russia: Nationwide Paid Holidays Deliver Severe Blow to Economy
Vladimir Putin’s latest decision to prolong the non-working period in the country to April 30 poses a grave problem to many Russian companies. Business circles have not yet got further policies or a broad stimulus package to support the economy and businesses.
COVID-19 Disinformation: Russia Sends “Aid” to the US
A statement by the U.S. Department of State shows that what Russia sent to Washington was not “humanitarian aid.” Moscow is looking to make a positive PR impression while undermining the effectiveness of Western efforts.
Nord Stream 2 Stuck in the Waiting Room
Though the Russia-to-Germany gas link was frozen after Washington had introduced a batch of sanctions, there is still a chance to complete it. Both Berlin and Moscow so far have invested many financial and political means to defend their joint undertaking.
Kozak-Yermak Plan on Donbas: A Trap for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is well aware of his dropping popularity ratings, is making efforts to reshuffle both the government and his presidential administration.
Russian Arms Industry Gets a Lifeline
Russia’s intense and long-term efforts to modernize its military inventory got the country’s arms industry into deep trouble. Some of the state’s flagship arms production plants are now in a difficult situation, thus the Kremlin seeks to help them by erasing their outstanding debts.
Russia Seeks Good Ties with Taliban
In its policy towards Afghanistan, Russia has long attempted to make U.S. and NATO military forces quit the country. What Moscow sees as a milestone is the U.S.-Taliban peace accord, saying it is ready to cooperate with Islamists once they seize power in the country.
Warsaw Institute
