Challenges for Moscow as Santiago sides with the West   By Michael Barantschik As we embark our journey into 2024, the trade and investment dynamics between Russia and Chile are experiencing a significant transition. Due to the contemporary geopolitical landscape, particularly Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions, Chile, aligning more closely with Western[.....] The post Russia and Chile: The 2023-24 Trade and Investment Dynamics appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

Incentives for using Russia’s Digital Ruble include VAT exemption By Paul Goncharoff Whoever first said “It’s real if it’s taxed” was a good observer of that yardstick. In these fast-changing times, much has been written about Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) and how close or far from the introduction and use of such digital money[.....] The post Russia Passes Tax Law Governing The Digital Ruble appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

Understanding the real decision-making influences in determining what happens next in Kiev By Chris Devonshire-Ellis The Russia-Ukraine conflict appears to have entered a new stage, determined by increasing uncertainty, and noticeably from three of the war’s four protagonists – the United States, Europe, and Ukraine. At this juncture, only Russia appears to be consistent in[.....] The post A Very Ukrainian Coup appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

Moscow’s attention to the Global South extends to Latin America By Michael Barantschik The relationship between Russia and Venezuela is a pivotal element in understanding contemporary geopolitical dynamics, particularly in the context of shifting global alliances and economic strategies. Historically, Venezuela, with its vast oil reserves, has been a significant player in the global energy[.....] The post Russia and Venezuela: The 2023/24 Trade and Investment Dynamics appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

By Michael Barantschik The economic relationship between Russia and Argentina is currently undergoing changes due to changes in geopolitical dynamics and internal political shifts. Traditionally, Argentina has been an ally of Russia, particularly in sectors like energy and agriculture. However, the reorientation of Argentina’s economic and diplomatic policies under Buenos Aries new leadership might result[.....] The post Russia and Argentina – The 2023/24 Trade and Investment Dynamics appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

The Bolshoi celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2025. Can Russia deliver a suitable event under Western sanctions?   By Chris Devonshire-Ellis Valery Gergiev, one of the world’s best known conductors, and the head of St.Petersburg’s Mariinsky Opera and Ballet company since 1988, has been chosen by the Russian President Vladimir Putin to take over at[.....] The post Valery Gergiev To Direct Both The Bolshoi & Mariinsky – The Political, Cultural and Repertoire Implications appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

Russia’s BRICS trade extends to brewing and sales to Continental Africa  By Chris Devonshire-Ellis Baltika, Russia’s largest brewer, is planning exports to South Africa and intends to use the country as an African continental hub, according to Oleg Lazarenko, the beer manufacturers International Sales Director. Lazarenko revealed the plans during an event held this week[.....] The post Baltika To Sell & Distribute Beer To South Africa appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

The ASEAN bloc is an important part of Russia’s Pivot To Asia as It Disengages With The EU By Emil Avdaliani with additional commentary by Chris Devonshire-Ellis The ties between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are multifaceted and have evolved over the past decade with special focus from Moscow paid to[.....] The post Russia and ASEAN: The 2023 / 24 Trade and Investment Dynamics appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

Bilateral trade has been erratic but is likely to increase in coming years. By Emil Avdaliani Thailand holds a strategic position in Southeast Asia for Russia, acting as a gateway to the broader ASEAN region. It’s notable for being second in the region in economic strength. Recognizing this, Russia inaugurated a consulate in Phuket in[.....] The post Russia and Thailand: The 2023/24 Trade and Investment Dynamics appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more

With numerous Western Foreign Ministers wanting to meet Russia’s Foreign Minister, what is likely to occur at the first recent high-level diplomatic summit between Russia and the West? By Chris Devonshire-Ellis Sergey Lavrov; the Russian Foreign Minister, appears set to attend a meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) due to[.....] The post Who Might Lavrov Meet At The OSCE Meeting In Skopje? appeared first on Russia Briefing News ..read more