RUSSIA MONITOR MONTHLY 02/2018
Contents
A Blow into the Russian Money Laundry
A scandal concerning laundering Russian money in Baltic countries constantly evolves. It has already led to the bankruptcy of the third biggest in terms of stock Latvian ABLV bank, and now targets the biggest Danish bank. It is all an effect of actions taken by financial secret services of the USA, which may appear more acute for the Russian ruling elite than official sanctions.
More privileges for the Federal Protective Service
President Vladimir Putin extended the privileges of the Federal Protective Service. FSO will be entitled, inter alia, to operate in cyberspace. The enforcement of this service suggests that, at least in the nearest future, FSB, SVR and FSO will not merge into one super security resort.
Russians threaten with the “invisible” fighter
After shooting down the fighter by the rebels and the massacre of mercenaries in the Euphrates Valley, Russia returns with full power to the war in Syria. Two Russian stealth Su-57 aircrafts of the latest generation landed at Khmeimim Air Base.
Communists’ unfortunate maneuver
Replacing the eternal candidate Gennady Zyuganov with a new face in the upcoming presidential election was supposed to constitute an invigorating impulse for the Russian communists. However, the experiment with Pavel Grudinin shows something else, namely that the communist electorate in Russia is not going to change. Such a state of matters may eventually result with the party’s collapse.
Anti-Russian theatre of the oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc
The Prime Minister repeats his appeal in Munich for retreating the Russian army from Transnistria, an act restricting the Russian propaganda comes into force, and the Head of the Parliament warns, that the closer the election, the bigger the Moscow’s interference in domestic issues of Moldova.
Problems with the Turkish Stream project
There are black clouds over one of Gazprom’s flagship projects, which has three main goals. The Turkish Stream may enable the resignation of the transit of Russian gas through Europe, increase gas exports to Europe as well as it may make it possible to transfer public funds to companies that belong to businessmen from Putin’s circle.
Federal clean-up in Dagestan
The head of the government and the mayor of the capital are put behind bars, a lot of resignations are handed in and the landings of officials from the outside are made – this is how the anti-corruption operation in Dagestan is being carried out.
Shoigu’s revenge
There are many indications that Russian troops in Syria intentionally exposed mercenaries from so-called Wagner Group to slaughter. Conflicts between the army and warriors appeared a long time ago.
Russia’s mind games with Iskander missiles
The dislocation of the Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad Oblast is of major political significance. On the one hand, it is an attempt to put pressure on the West and to fuel fears of a military threat aimed at stopping the process of strengthening NATO’s Eastern flank.
Bastrykin’s Lonely End. Russian presidential election
An annual expanded meeting of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office Board took place on February 15. On February 6, a similar convention took place within the structures of the Investigative Committee. Nevertheless, both events seem to differ in a significant way. Russia’s president took part in the first one where he gave a speech. The second one was attended only by Russia’s deputy prime minister, though.
The saga of T-14 Armata: an end in sight?
A famous Russian super tank, which has once become an object of ridicule over the world when it broke down during the parade on Red Square, is closer to serve in the Russian army.
Oil, elections and mercenaries. The massacre in the Deir al-Zor province
The massacre of the Russian mercenaries by the American air forces and artillery in the Deir al-Zor province is a sign for Kremlin that the USA will not allow for crossing certain “red lines” in Syria. It is a part of a struggle for a post-war order in the country, not only when it comes to a political division, but also to an access to rich oil and gas resources.
Chemezov’s pre-election offensive
After the upcoming presidential elections in Russia and the reelection of Vladimir Putin, one may expect big personal changes among highest-ranking officials. Key players of the Russian ruling elite have already been fighting for influence, new positions and sources of income.
The base in Šiauliai on the Russian target
Revealed information about the detainment of Lithuanians suspected of spying for Russia confirms, that the main object of interest of the Russian intelligence service is the Air Force Base in Šiauliai, which is a headquarters of NATO’s aircrafts participating in the Baltic Air Policing.
Warsaw Institute
