RUSSIA MONITOR MONTHLY 01/2018

Contents
Moscow plays the Ossetian card

Moscow plays the Ossetian card

Tbilisi announced that it obtained the first part of the American Javelin missile systems. Moscow replied the following day: ratifying the agreement entailing the incorporation of the South Ossetian separatist units into the Russian Armed Forces.

Russia strengthens its forces on the Baltic Sea

Russia strengthens its forces on the Baltic Sea

Increase in the military capability of Kaliningrad Oblast and The Baltic Fleet is a part of strategy aiming at reinforcing the western flank of Russia. Enhancement of the missile weapons killing power located in Kaliningrad exclave, reconstruction of air forces in that region or strengthening the offensive possibilities on the sea through…

Another “liberal” is going to jail

Another “liberal” is going to jail

One of most notorious politico-corruptive cases of last years is coming to an end. On January 31 a sentence of the trial against the former governor of Kirov, Nikita Belykh, will be pronounced. As with the recently finished court proceedings concerning the former minister Alexey Ulyukaev, the sentence is expected to be severe.

Why Moscow left Kurds. Five reasons

Why Moscow left Kurds. Five reasons

Turkish military operations against Kurdish enclave Afrin would not have begun without Russian permission. Moscow has made cold estimation of gains and losses on this matter. It turned out that it is profitable to risk good cooperation with Kurds in exchange for gains not only in Syria, but also in relations with Turkey and the West.

FSB “cleans up” after the failed operation

FSB “cleans up” after the failed operation

Detainment of four people associated with the private security sector, including the former chief of Boris Berezovsky’s security service, is officially connected with the investigation concerning cooperation between the siloviki and gangsters in Samara Oblast.

Russians Bother U.S. Allies

Russians Bother U.S. Allies

The activity of the Russian navy and aviation has recently increased near the borders of Western countries. Some incidents have occurred especially in the vicinity of Great Britain, the North Atlantic basin as well as the North Sea. However, the Russian aviation has also put Australia on alert; in this way, Moscow aims to demonstrate its global capabilities.

Russia’s Investigative Commitee Faces Imminent Revolution

Russia’s Investigative Commitee Faces Imminent Revolution

RUSSIA MONITOR Date: Russia's Investigative Commitee Faces Imminent Revolution The fact that one of the main suspects in the so-called Shakro Molodoy case has been exonerated seems to confirm that the FSB's goal is to eliminate the head of the...

No chances of Russian military base in Sudan

No chances of Russian military base in Sudan

It has been long speculated that new Russian military bases would be established in such countries of the Eastern Mediterranean as Egypt, Libya and Cyprus. Now it is time for Sudan. However, the rise of Russia’s political and military activity in the Red Sea region does not necessarily mean that the Russians will build their military base on the Sudanese coast.

Rosgvardiya’s iron fist

Rosgvardiya’s iron fist

The new year has brought some new decisions aiming to strengthen the National Guard of the Russian Fedration, which seems to confirm that the Kremlin wishes to provide it with a key role in the regime’s security apparatus.

How Russia Avoids Sanctions. Episode 2

How Russia Avoids Sanctions. Episode 2

The growing list of Russian companies subject to U.S. sanctions is becoming a serious problem for Moscow. The restrictions may also strike at business partners of some enterprises, including financial institutions, and, more importantly, banks.

Putin’s Trick in Donbass

Putin’s Trick in Donbass

There is no doubt that the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and the so-called “people’s republics” can be considered as a humanitarian success. However, politically speaking, it is perceived as Kiev’s defeat. The entire process was initiated by Moscow and carried out under its conditions.

New Year, Same War

New Year, Same War

The attack on the Russian air base in Syria in Khmeimim confirms the forecasts of the Warsaw Institute, according to which the accomplishment of Russia’s military campaign in Syria, announced by Vladimir Putin on December 11, does not necessarily mean the end of the conflict for Russia.

Purges in Luhansk

Purges in Luhansk

Once Igor Plotnitsky was removed from power after the November coup, many important people have been sacked in the purges. Those who had any connections with the overthrown leader are now being removed from their posts.

Black Clouds over Bastrykin

Black Clouds over Bastrykin

In the last days of December, officers of the Investigative Directorate of the FSB detained another important person in the case against Zakhar Kalashov aka Shakro Molodoy.

Top