Russia Monitor Monthly 3/23
Content
Australia is sending another tranche of military support to Ukraine
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Australia has fulfilled its allied commitment by unequivocally standing on the side of the Free World states. Despite the distance that separates Oceania from the region of Central and Eastern Europe, the Scott Morrison government has decided to send another tranche of military support to Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian aggression.
The Fiasco Of “Rouble Blackmail” Despite Armenian Example
A Russian plan to set up a special payment facility to pay for gas in roubles was a game that the Kremlin played with Western countries that seek to reduce their gas imports from Russia. EU nations did not bow to Russian pressure though Moscow has forced Armenia, its ally, into paying for gas in roubles to show that the new payment system is in force. Although Russia said it would start forcing “unfriendly countries” to pay for their natural gas supplies in roubles, Armenia is certainly not one.
Russia’s Lukoil Chief Alekperov Resigns
Russian billionaire Vagit Alekperov has resigned as CEO of Lukoil. The oil tycoon joined a handful of Russian business leaders that have departed their firms following the invasion of Ukraine and possible personnel reshuffles in Putin’s Russia. Those who retire are long-serving senior officials, giving way to young technocrats who owe their careers to Vladimir Putin.
Japanese Firms Are Unlikely To Exit Sakhalin-2 Project
Energy giant Shell says it will exit all Russian operations, including the Sakhalin-2 LNG project in the Russian Far East. According to some reports, Shell is in talks with some Chinese companies to sell its stake in the Sakhalin-2 liquefied natural gas project in Russia. Two Japanese firms that hold shares in the project say they will not exit the venture despite Tokyo’s harsh crackdown on Moscow following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russia and China increase their strategic cooperation
Despite international pressure, China won’t be dissuaded from streghthening ties with Russia. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng declared, that they “will strengthen strategic cooperation with Russia no matter what.”
Will Russia Create New “People’s Republic” In Kherson?
According to the Ukrainian intelligence agency, Russia is planning to proclaim what is known as a “people’s republic” in the Moscow-occupied southern Ukrainian region of Kherson. No details are known about how far it will stretch. It will probably cover the whole area of the Russian-occupied Kherson region and the southern bit of the Zaporizhia region. The name of the “republic” is not incidental––Kherson is the region’s major city to fall to Russian forces after their February 24 invasion of Ukraine.
AUKUS Members Strengthen Cooperation in Developing Hypersonic Missiles
Cooperation between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is growing stronger. Half a year after signing the AUKUS pact, its members have agreed to work on developing hypersonic weapons technology and electronic warfare capabilities.
A Wave of Mystery Suicides of Russian Gazprom Executives
Four recent suicides of high-profile Russian gas industry executives seem somewhat suspicious. One case is believed to have been what is known as an extended suicide. Gazprom’s security agency is investigating into all deaths. At least two of the executives knew a lot about the company’s financial flow.
Australia’s Role in the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States
The development of the situation and the state of security in the Indo-Pacific is the main determinant of the future of the world and the distribution of power between two competing superpowers. This research paper covers the United States’ position in Indo-Pacific waters, its response to the growing interference of the People’s Republic of China, and Australia’s stabilizing role in the region. The text presents the genesis of the presence of the American Navy in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the causes and effects of the increased activity of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the South China Sea region. The study also indicates the response of the anti-Chinese alliance countries in this region, among which the expansion of the field of allied cooperation and the militarily strengthened Australia are to play a key role.
“The Foreign Policy of the Republic of Poland and the Czech Republic towards Russia” – key proposals
Before discussing the Polish and Czech foreign policy toward the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is vital to stress the importance of bilateral ties between the governments in Warsaw and Prague. There are plenty of paradoxes in Polish-Czech relations––some polls find that both nations tend to like one another and are strategic economic partners. On the other hand, though, the authorities in Poland and the Czech Republic are unable to elevate their relations to the strategic level. No political circle in Poland and the Czech Republic is interested in forging long-lasting cooperation and strengthening relations, which was particularly noticeable in an unneeded dispute over the Turów open-pit coal mine.
Presidential elections in France: Who will win the second round?
The first round of elections in France did not identify a new president. Incumbent president, Emmanuel Macron and the leader of the National Rally—Marine Le Pen went to the next stage. The second round will take place on April 24 and will ultimately identify the winner. ??
Ukraine-Russia War: Ukraine Is Killing More Russian Generals
The Russian military is reluctant to start an offensive in Donbas because its senior officers are aware of the heavy losses they might suffer, according to the head of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency. Indeed, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is featured with an unexpected death tally of senior Russian military personnel, including dozens of colonels, hundreds of junior officers, and eight generals––of whom three commanders.
Russia’s Offensive On Donbas Has Begun
The Russian military command launched an operation in Ukraine’s Donbas while not waiting for the fall of Mariupol. The aggressor’s top mission is to smash the best-equipped Ukrainian units and seize at least the whole Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which would be what the Kremlin meant while recognizing the so-called “people’s republics” in Donbas.
Ukraine’s SBU Detains Putin Ally Viktor Medvedchuk
Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk has for years been the number one figure in the pro-Russian political wing in Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities had already charged Medvedchuk with treason last year and placed him under house arrest. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the mogul escaped but was detained by Ukrainian counterintelligence officers. He must know a lot about Russian plans of a military invasion of Ukraine. But will he be willing to cooperate? One is certain: by capturing Medvedchuk, Ukrainian operatives dealt a blow to Russia, Putin, and the FSB.
Biden Proposes Additional Funding for the US Indo-Pacific Strategy
On March 28, 2022, US President Joe Biden released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2023. To avoid the government shutdown, the US Congress must negotiate and pass this spending plan by September 30, 2022. As a part of it, Joe Biden proposed $1.8 billion for the US Indo-Pacific strategy, including $400 million to counter the growing aspirations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Is outward foreign direct investment an effective way for Chinese companies to upgrade their technological, managerial and branding capabilities, enabling them to catch up with advanced economy multinationals?
The main objective of the essay is to answer the question “Whether the outward foreign direct investment is an effective way for Chinese companies to upgrade their technological, managerial and branding capabilities, enabling them to catch up with advanced economy multinationals”? Nowadays, Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) are extremely active in terms of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) across the world. Among many motivations to invest abroad, undoubtedly search for the advanced technologies and improved managerial knowledge are one of the key determinants for Chinese companies to increase their productivity and improve their performance.
Russia Is Seeking To Encircle Ukraine’s Donbas
Ukraine, the United States, and NATO say that Russia is nearing a significant new offensive in the eastern Donbas region. Russia regrouped troops that failed to seize Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, or Kyiv––the country’s capital. Now it shifts its offensive east to cut off Ukrainian forces in Donbas. In addition to capturing the whole regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, Russians are seeking to break Ukrainian morale. Ukrainian forces stationed in the Donbas are the best trained and equipped units.
Foreign Policy of the Republic of Poland and the Czech Republic Towards Russia
On March 22 an expert discussion with EVC senior analyst David Stulík and Polish political scientist Piotr Bajda was held on the topic ‘Foreign policy of the Republic of Poland and the Czech Republic towards Russia – differences and similarities’.
”Besieged Fortress:” Polls Show Russians Support Putin And War In Ukraine
Western sanctions that followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine did not compromise Vladimir Putin’s popularity rating. Although the Russian population is not in the same euphoric mood as after Crimea was annexed in 2014, these two events share some features. Polling agency results have pointed to a surge of support for Putin, including what he referred to as a “special military operation” in Ukraine. But among some Western experts, the poll shows a Russian fear of speaking frankly and honestly to pollsters, even those run independently. Russian researchers––also those very critical of Putin’s actions––say that the uptick in the president’s popularity is what could be labeled a defense strategy to an alleged attack from the outside, which is the Kremlin’s official narrative.
Pentagon Will Accelerate Production of Stinger Missiles for Ukraine
After Joe Biden’s visit to Poland, American media reported that the Pentagon will accelerate the production of FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missiles and FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems. This is the likely result of the talks between Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, held a few days earlier in Poland. The US president also joined that meeting.
Warsaw Institute
