Russia Monitor Monthly 7/23
Content
Latvia’s intelligence about China
At the end of April, Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB), Latvia’s most important intelligence service, published an annual report which presents threats to the national security of their country. There were also several references to the increasing influence and attacks from China.
North Macedonia as the 30th NATO member
On 27 March 2020, North Macedonia was admitted to the North Atlantic Alliance. The integration of the Western Balkans region with NATO is progressing much faster than accession to the European Union.
The Parliament Magazine quotes the Warsaw Institute
In its article discussing one of the consequences of Brexit, the author Martin Banks cites a Special Report published by the Warsaw Institute regarding the future of EU-UK defence industry and security.
PLA’s armaments during the pandemic
A National People’s Congress meeting, during which a new defence budget of the PRC will be presented, is scheduled for May 22. According to forecasts, it will be further increased despite the recession of 6.8% in the first quarter of 2020.
Poland and Denmark Begin Construction of Baltic Pipe Project to Challenge Russian Gas Dominance
Construction of a major gas pipeline from Norway is to begin in the coming days, Polish President Andrzej Duda said in the morning of May 4. On April 30, Polish gas grid operator Gaz-System inked a contract with Italian oil services group Saipem to build a section of the Baltic Pipe between Denmark and Poland.
The USA supports Georgians
Shortly before the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic spread throughout the world, Georgia managed to settle the dispute between its government and the opposition and civil society, lasting several months. The political deadlock has tangibly threatened the stability of the country and has been overcome with the clear commitment of American diplomacy. However, it is possible that in the face of the approaching crisis, Georgians may need the help of the United States even more than before.
Israel during the pandemic: Less contentious dialogue with the Palestinians than with the Opposition
Although Israel has relatively recently already seen three Knesset elections, the future of the emergency unity government remains questionable. The controversial Netanyahu-Gantz agreement maintains the current Prime Minister in the office, however, the Supreme Court decision might still potentially loosen Benjamin Netanyahu’s grip on power, taking into account his three corruption indictments.
Is Prime Minister Mishustin A Failed Experiment?
No other Russian politician named as the country’s next prime minister suffered such bad luck as the new incumbent, Mikhail Mishustin. The Russian economy got a terrible blow after oil prices slashed globally, and it was only shortly after that the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world.
Russia’s Federal Authorities See Falling Ratings Over Coronavirus Crisis
Russian people have delivered somewhat ambiguous assessments of the state’s measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. They seem to trust more low-ranking officials who have direct contact with society.
OPEC+ Deal: Crude Oil Companies Agreed with the Government
All Russian crude oil companies would comply with the deal and curb their output figures, Russia’s energy minister said. On the same day, Vladimir Putin held a videoconference with government officials and heads of the country’s biggest oil and gas companies.
Misinformation – Russian strategic weapon yesterday and now
On April 29, 2020, The Warsaw Institute Review team held another expert debate ‘Disinformation – Russian Strategic Weapon Yesterday and Today’. The event, organized in the form of live broadcast, allowed active participation of our spectators through social media channels.
Russia’s Gazprom Sees Fall in Gas Output and Export Volumes
The company’s results were hit by weakening demand for Gazprom’s gas in Europe. Also, with lowering export numbers, Russia’s biggest gas firm must curb output. The company has experienced a sharp fall in natural gas demand this year due to the economic fallout from non-flexible contracts, Europe’s huge gas excesses, mild winter, and the global spread of the novel coronavirus.
Amid Coronavirus Pandemic and Oil Crisis, Russian Economy Is Suffocating
The coronavirus situation is not getting any better in Russia, with the growing number of both the infected and deaths. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the peak of the epidemic had not yet been reached and ordered Russians to remain under lockdown through May 11.
Russian Oil Companies Hit By “Black April”
With huge crude amounts on the global market and amid its record low prices, world oil producers are in big trouble. What has recently grabbed the headlines around the globe was when West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices fell below zero in short-term contracts. Bu Russian crude oil exports are in a much worse position.
Russia Is Open for Talks with U.S. on Nuclear Disarmament
Kremlin strategists have taken some steps to mend ties with the West, especially with the United States, since the coronavirus outbreak. Thus, Moscow is sending signals to relax –– or even lift sanctions, and, from time to time, makes an offer to launch disarmament talks with Washington.
Does Turkey’s S-400 Delay Mean No Longer Close Ties with Russia?
Turkey’s Idlib offensive in spring this year and the clash of Russian and Turkish strategic interests display that these two’s rapprochement is not unconditional, mainly in Syria.
Russian Top Defense and Interior Officials Arrested for Bribery and Extortion
Russia’s interior ministry is passing through a difficult time. After four deputy ministers were placed under quarantine –– once their colleague had been tested positive for coronavirus –– two other generals were detained.
Chinese space ambitions
On Friday, April 24, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced the name of its first research mission to Mars. The programme will be called Tianwen and in the English version – Quest for Heavenly Truth.
The struggle with coronavirus and Russian disinformation in Romania
Romania is a country with almost 20 million citizens and, after Poland, the second largest member of the B9 group, as well as a crucial strategic point for NATO’s Eastern Flank.
Coronavirus Outbreak Puts Russian Jails Under Severe Threat
In response to calls from both health experts and the World Health Organisation, most world countries reduced the number of people in detention –– as a coronavirus outbreak in prison walls could make the COVID-19 pandemic worse.
Warsaw Institute
