russia continues actively extending its influence over temporarily occupied territories not only in Ukraine but also in other countries where part of the territory lies under its sway. One instrument of this strategy has been the launch of a contest for journalists and bloggers in the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia. This contest is backed by…
central bank of russia, in its updated macroeconomic forecast, has acknowledged that economic growth in russia may drop to zero by the end of 2025. This is perhaps the most pessimistic forecast from the regulator in recent years. ▫️ According to official data, russia’s GDP grew by only 1.4% in the first quarter (compared to…
China is reducing its imports of russian coal. In effect, russia’s key partner is turning away from its coal industry, which is already in a state of deep crisis. In the first half of 2025, coal exports from russia to China dropped by 25%, and in the second quarter — by 34% year-on-year. ▫️The situation…
The civilian maritime fleet renewal program that russia heavily promoted in 2023 has been cut by over 40% due to chronic funding shortages. While the plan aimed to build 260 commercial, fishing, and cruise vessels over five years, the project’s implementation is now in serious doubt. ▫️The reason is a critical financial shortfall caused by…
In just the first half of 2025, the number of funeral service providers in russia increased by 16% compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects massive losses suffered by russian army in its war against Ukraine — losses kremlin continues to conceal. ▫️ To suppress this reality, russia’s state statistics agency has…
Another deadly passenger plane crash has occurred in russia — this time with a high number of casualties. ▫️ All 49 people on board an aging An-24 aircraft died after it crashed in amur Oblast. The plane was nearly 50 years old and had already been involved in four incidents in recent years. Today’s disaster…
kremlin is using the Central Asian International Economic Forum in Tajikistan to intensify its “language pressure” on Central Asian states. ▫️ Although officially framed as a platform for enhancing economic cooperation, the forum’s central theme was the promotion of russian language across Central Asia. russian officials and propagandists at the event emphasized that russian language…
russian government is introducing a new mandatory school subject called “spiritual and moral culture of russia.” In these classes, children will be required to study, among other things, the life stories of “special military operation heroes” to draw inspiration from their example. ▫️ russian officials claim the goal is to “shape a worldview based on…
russia’s largest passenger car manufacturer, avtovaz, is preparing to shift to a reduced four-day workweek. ▫️The company attributes this decision to “unfavorable trends in the auto market,” a credit crisis, and “dumping by imported brands,” primarily referring to Chinese manufacturers. While russian propaganda portrays avtovaz as a champion of import substitution, staging grand presentations of…
russian propaganda has once again intensified its openly anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric, accusing the country of “russophobia” and directly threatening to launch a war against Azerbaijan. ▫️The trigger was a statement by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and his intention to file a lawsuit against the russian federation at the International Court…
On July 17, russia’s state duma passed an amendment that introduces penalties for intentionally searching online for materials deemed “extremist,” even if accessed through a VPN. ▫️ The amendment was hidden inside a draft law on transport and logistics activities, allowing it to pass without public discussion. ▫️ This new mechanism enables authorities to punish…
russian government can no longer hide the fact that sanctions are severely impacting the economy. The problems have become so evident that they are now being acknowledged at the highest levels. ▫️russia’s minister of energy, sergey tsivilev, admitted that russian oil refineries are unable to carry out proper maintenance due to sanctions. Equipment previously supplied…
