Russia Monitor Monthly 2/23
Content
Day 15 – A record demonstration, scared Lukashenko
On a symbolic day – the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Minsk hosted the largest demonstration in the history of independent Belarus.
Russia Anxious Over Turkey’s Gas Discovery: Will Gazprom Lose Sales Market?
For a couple of years, Turkey has made strides to diversify its gas imports –– by curbing Russian-sourced supply, buying gas from Azerbaijan, and importing growing volumes of liquefied natural gas.
The Rusty Privacy Shield
On July 16, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) invalidated the European Commission’s (EC) decision on the adequacy of protection provided by the EU-US Privacy Shield.
WI Daily News – Mateusz Morawiecki to discuss situation in Belarus with all parliamentary caucuses representatives
Daily dose of the most important news regarding Polish international cooperation, affairs & activity abroad
Major Oil Companies Complain to Putin about Government Tax Hikes
Major Russian oil producers balk at an idea of an increase in the profit-added tax, according to what Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Gazpromneft Alexei Yankevich said during a videoconference.
Attack on Navalny: Poison the Service of the Kremlin
With the suspected poisoning of Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin sets on a tighter course in its domestic policy –– as both Kremlin officials and the chekists are keen to perpetrate any crime to stay in power. Why has Navalny been targeted only now? And why like that?
Chinese-Saudi nuclear cooperation
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Chinese companies assisted Riyadh in the construction of an extraction facility for uranium yellowcake, which in a highly enriched state can be used to develop nuclear weapons.
Russia Becomes World’s Second-Largest Oil Producer
The United States retained its leadership in oil output worldwide, the Joint Oil Data Initiative (JODI) said in a new update. Russia won the second place whilst Saudi Arabia came third.
WI Daily News – New Foreign Minister of Poland
Daily dose of the most important news regarding Polish international cooperation, affairs & activity abroad
The United States increases support for Taiwan
The growing tensions between the US and China during the pandemic period, prompted the administration of Donald Trump to increase political and military support for the Taiwanese authorities. Two major arms contracts, which are expected to increase the defensive capabilities of the island, were signed in July and August.
An article by Warsaw Institute cited by the official information site of the Latvian Ministry of Defence
The Latvian portal Sargs.lv cited the Warsaw Institute analysis from the Russia Monitor Programme on the impact of Belarus’ presidential elections on Russia’s position in the country.
The Awakening Of Private Military Companies
Private military companies, or PMCs, are independent corporations that trade military services through a wide range of opportunities they have due to their corporate nature.
Pompeo’s visit to Europe according to the Chinese media
As it could be expected, the visit of the US Secretary of State – Mike Pompeo to the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria and Poland met with criticism from the Chinese media. They tried to present these visits as a diplomatic failure of the USA and as an unfounded attack on Beijing.
Lukoil Reduces Hydrocarbon Output
In the first six months of 2020, Lukoil, a Russian top energy producer, said its crude oil figures fell by 3.2 percent and recorded the fall of 14.7 percent in natural gas production. The cut was due to the new OPEC+ agreement and a decrease in gas supply from Uzbekistan to China –– both driven by a negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hydrocarbon demand.
The Silk Railway Route is slowly gaining momentum
Since May 2020, rail traffic on the Silk Railway Route between China and Europe has reached record levels. In May, the number of freight trains was equal to 1033 whilst in June it increased to 1169. In July, 1232 trains left from Chinese cities – the highest number ever. Compared to 2019, traffic increased by 41% in the first seven months, with 68% growth in July alone.
WI Daily News – President of Poland and NATO Secretary discussed recent developments in Belarus
Daily dose of the most important news regarding Polish international cooperation, affairs & activity abroad
WI Daily News – Poland and Hungary sign memorandum on humanitarian aid cooperation
Daily dose of the most important news regarding Polish international cooperation, affairs & activity abroad
WI Daily News – Polish Foreign Minister met with US Secretary of State
Daily dose of the most important news regarding Polish international cooperation, affairs & activity abroad
Scared Lukashenko, A Risk for Russia
Just two days after the presidential vote in Belarus, the Kremlin saw its best-scenario of a landslide victory of weak Alexander Lukashenko nearly happening. Yet large-scale protests that swept throughout the country were a bitter surprise for both Minsk and the Kremlin.
Russia’s Fast-Track Covid-19 Vaccine Poses Big Risk
As Russian President Vladimir Putin declared during a conference with government members (August 11), the country had won the global race and produced the world’s first coronavirus vaccine. The Russian leader said the vaccine had passed all the required checks and his daughter had already been given it. Many scientists worldwide, also in Russia, have doubts about this, though. The Russian-made vaccine failed to go through adequate procedures. But in the whole story, more is about Russia’s prestige around the globe rather than public health.
Warsaw Institute
