Features
NEO: EU ban on Russian aluminium may cause shortages, price surge
The EU has been discussing the possible ban of Russian aluminium for months but stopped short of taking such measures, If EU policymakers follow through on the suggestion in the next round of sanctions it could cause chaos on the metal markets.
Making drones in the kitchen: Ukrainian civilians rise to meet military shortages
With Western support for Ukraine’s war effort suffering as a result of the United States’ failure to agree on a new aid package, ordinary Ukrainian citizens are stepping up to the plate.
Kyrgyzstan: Officials brush aside uranium anxieties over Kyzyl-Ompol field
Experts have voiced safety concerns over the field in the past, but such objections are now being silenced.
War and sanctions have forced Russia to make long overdue reforms
The pressure of the war in Ukraine has forced the Kremlin to push through a raft of long overdue reforms as its struggles to raise more revenues for the budget, increase the efficiency of the economy and keep the people happy.
Mongolia urged to “open door” to Russian Mongols who want return to ancestral roots
Campaigners want compatriots law that would apply to peoples of Russia’s Buddhist republics and minorities with Mongolic origins the world over.
Kyrgyzstan: As net tightens around Matraimov, Japarov is clearing field of viable threats
All the corrupt former customs chief's one-time allies are scrambling to disavow him.
LONG READ: China and Russia, the industrial production superpowers that could win a war
China is now "the world’s sole manufacturing superpower" and Russia’s productive capability is greater than that of Germany’s, according to recent studies on the changes to the world’s manufacturing make-up.
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In Ukraine’s Donbas, complex questions of identity and loyalty
An unrepentantly Russian Orthodox colony now finds itself accused of wavering loyalties by Ukraine’s political leadership.
Liberty Steel's financial crisis is just the latest blow for CEE's steel industry
The woes of Liberty Steel's mills also reflect the struggle of former Communist Central and Eastern Europe’s once mighty steel sector to remain competitive.
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Lack of shipping capacity thwarts Russian LNG ambitions
Western sanctions are thwarting Russia’s planned expansion in the global LNG market.
US hit Russian banks with most effective sanctions yet
The US has unleashed two rounds of sanctions on Russia’s banks that are proving to be some of the most effective measures to curb Russia’s ability to do business yet.
KREMLIN LEAKS: how the Kremlin plans to fix the presidential elections
Leaked documents from the Kremlin have revealed details of President Vladimir Putin's meticulous plans for securing his re-election in March, VS Square reported on February 26.
Azerbaijan developing significant gold, copper and other minerals resources
The British company Anglo Asian Mining, which mines gold, silver, and copper in Azerbaijan, has completed a preliminary assessment of the mineral resources of the Kharkhar copper deposit. The country has significant deposits of many minerals.
Western Balkans is ideal nearshoring destination, says EBRD regional director
"Island within the EU" is attracting growing flows of FDI, EBRD's Matteo Colangeli tells bne IntelliNews.
Time to face some harsh realities about the war in Ukraine
The shock of Russia’s surprise invasion of Ukraine on February 24 two years ago was quickly followed by awe at the heroic defence of Kyiv, then delight as Ukrainians fought back, popping the tops of tanks and running circles around the Russians.
Soaring bank deposits in Russia’s poorest regions show where the Kremlin is recruiting its soldiers
Russia does not release information on the numbers of mobilised and recruited men, or casualties of war in Ukraine; however, the Bank of Finland institute for Emerging Economies has dug into public banking records to work out where soldiers are from.
World Bank says Emerging Europe needs tougher targets to reach net zero by 2060
New World Bank report charts path to net zero energy in Emerging Europe and Central Asia, but says current ambitions are too modest.
PANNIER: There’s 21st century "gold" in them thar Central Asian hills
Poor nations Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan hoping for a critical raw materials bonanza.
Kupiansk: Russia’s next target?
Russia seeks to exploit Ukrainian ammunition and manpower shortages, particularly in the run-up to Vladimir Putin’s ceremonial re-election in mid-March.
Fall of Avdiivka gives Russia the military initiative and Putin a political gift ahead of presidential elections
The withdrawal from Avdiivka was the correct decision to safeguard the lives of Ukrainian defenders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.