RUSSIA MONITOR MONTHLY 11/2019
Contents
Russia Complies with OPEC Deal, But There Is a Problem
There is no doubt that the OPEC+ format will continue to exist, with OPEC and its allies being likely to extend oil output cuts, albeit oil production calculations may be subject to change.
Russia Catches Heat over Bloody Air Raids in Syria’s Idlib
In the shadow of Turkey’s incursion against the Kurds in northeastern Syria, forces loyal to al-Assad and their Russian allies are pursuing a military offensive in Idlib Province. Located in northwestern Syria, the last remaining rebel enclave is still struggling against government forces. Syrian government army and its Russian allies keep their criminal assaults against civilians, seeking to crush their morale and force Idlib defenders to surrender.
Russia’s Gazprom Sold $3 Billion in Stocks to Mystery Buyer
Russia’s gas monopolist Gazprom sold 3.59 percent of its stocks in what it turned out to be a single buyer transaction, with the deal carried out via the trading platform of the Moscow Exchange. Also, the mystery bidder got a considerable discount. This is the second time that Gazprom has traded shares in recent months, with a total of 6.52 percent of the company’s voting stakes being sold. The firm has not informed whether the same buyer bought shares both in July and November.
Unwanted Success: Russia’s GRU Suffers Setback in Serbia
A disclosed fact that in the Serbian army there are many people holding ties to Russian military intelligence has dealt a blow to the authorities in Belgrade. Recent time has seen Serbia making extra efforts to tighten cooperation with Russia, chiefly in the area of security. A spying incident involving an officer of the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence, erupted right before President Aleksandar Vucic’s trip to Moscow. This might not have been incidental, especially that files showing links between Russian intelligence and the Serbian military were cooked up by Western services, as admitted by the country’s leader.
GRU Spies Accused of Destabilizing Situation in Catalonia
Spain is yet another European country where Russian military intelligence has engaged in a campaign to destabilize the internal situation. Spanish services and judiciary are investigating into a group within Russia’s military intelligence (GRU) known as Unit 29155, infamous for their subversive and terrorist actions across the European Union, including the United Kingdom and Bulgaria. Signs are that Russia has long been fuelled Catalonia’s pro-secession drive, not only through its information-related operations.
Novatek Boasts of Rising Output: Foreign Investors Enter Russian LNG Terminals
Russia’s biggest private gas firm has beefed up its status as a leading natural gas producer and a top liquefied natural gas supplier in the Far North.
United Russia Congress: Putin Distances Himself from Ruling Party
Though Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at a congress of the ruling United Russia, he seemed far aloof from the party whose approval ratings keep going down.
IEA Forecast Says Russian Oil Industry Will Record Losses
The United States is currently the world’s largest producer of gas and oil. With their shale output staying higher for longer, the Americans are poised to become the world’s second-biggest gas exporter only to Russia.
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.
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.
Warsaw Institute
