Russia Monitor Articles
Putin’s Latest Approval Ratings: Choosing the Lesser Evil
Fewer and fewer Putin’s fellow countrymen are declaring themselves enthusiastic about the incumbent leader.
What’s True About Russian Military Spending?
Russian President Vladimir Putin informed that his country spent less for defense in 2018, saying that gone is the peak of the Russian military’s equipment and hardware upgrade, and these do not need to be financed to the same extent as before.
One Customer Fewer for Gazprom: Poland Successfully Diversifies Its Energy Sources
As earlier announced, Poland’s biggest gas firm, state-run PGNiG, said that it did not intend to extend its long-term deal on gas supplies with Gazprom. The gas firm seeks to wean itself off Russian-sourced energy after 2023.
Russia’s Oil Export Duty Rises: What’s Next with Tax Maneuver?
The Russian government has decided to boost customs tariffs on exported oil supplies and petroleum products in a move to halt the gradual slump in oil export duties, at least temporarily.
Can Newly Empowered FSB Cut Russia Off the Rest of the World?
Authorities in Russia are working to amend the country’s law, allowing the Federal Security Service (FSB) to block online traffic flow with any country around the world.
The Fall of Morales: Russia Loses Bolivian Ally
Notwithstanding how events will further unfold in Bolivia, the ouster of Morales as the country’s president is likely to hit a severe blow to the Russian sphere of influence across Latin America.
The French Connection: Macron’s Words Please the Kremlin
With his subsequent moves and declarations, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as Russia’s biggest friend in the West.
Russia Stages Influence Operation in Bulgaria
Both Russia and a pro-Russian camp in Bulgaria have struck back after a series of mishaps.
Czech Counterintelligence Uncovered FSB Espionage Ring
The Czech Security and Information Service (BIS) confirmed earlier reports from a few months ago, saying it had dismantled a Russian espionage ring created in the country by the Russian FSB.
Russia Is Still Not Ready for Nuclear War
Held in October this year, Russia’s Grom (Thunder) 2019 strategic nuclear forces exercise revealed that the country’s atomic stockpile is far below expectations.
Russian Navy Fires Bulava Ballistic Missile in Submarine Drills
Russia’s Northern Fleet has carried out a high-profile test of one of its newest nuclear-powered submarines that has for the first time test-fired the Bulava, Russia’s intercontinental ballistic missile.
Rosneft Switches Export Contracts to Euros from Dollars Amid U.S. Sanctions
Russia’s largest oil company Rosneft has fully switched to the euro from U.S. dollars as the default currency to minimize its exposure to U.S. restrictions, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said.
Russia-Africa Summit: Will Malofeev Take Over Prigozhin’s Role?
The inaugural Russia-Africa summit was held in October 23–24 in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia. With the attendance of some 40 African heads of state and a vast group of 10,000 guests from both Russia and African countries, the Russia-Africa summit confirms the continent’s high level of interest in cementing cooperation with Moscow.
Alekperov Embroiled in Turmoil over Lukoil and Surgutneftgaz Shares
This year, the Moscow stock exchange has seen yet another dramatic increases in the shares of a giant Russian energy company.
Warsaw Institute
