Russia automotive output slumps to levels of first months of Ukraine war as demand slumps

Russia’s automotive industry — once a symbol of the country’s industrial ambitions — has entered another sharp downturn, reversing the fragile recovery seen in 2023 and early 2024.

Russia’s manufacturing PMI falls to its lowest level since May 2022 in October

Russia’s manufacturing sector saw a deeper contraction in October, with output, new orders, and business confidence all weakening, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data from S&P Global, published on November 1.

Ruble strengthens as sanctioned oil companies repatriate cash

The Russian ruble strengthened after the Trump administration imposed oil sanctions on Russia’s leading oil companies, extending a rally that began after the Biden administration imposed oil sanctions on Russia in January.

Russia's central bank cuts rates by 50bp to 16.5%

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) cut rates by 50bp on October 24 to 16.5% in an effort to boost flagging growth despite fears of a revival of inflationary pressure due to an upcoming two percentage point hike in the planned VAT rates.

Ukraine's trade deficit doubles to $42bn putting new pressure on an already strained economy

Ukraine’s trade deficit has doubled to $42bn as exports fall and imports balloon. The balance of payments deficit is starting to turn into a serious problem that could undermine the country’s macroeconomic stability.

EU rare earth supply dominated by China and Russia - Eurostat

The European Union remains heavily dependent on China and Russia for rare earth imports, with nearly three-quarters of its supply sourced from the two countries in 2024, according to data published by Eurostat and reported by Statista.

Ukrainian M&A market grows 22% despite war, driven by local investors

Two large acquisitions by agriculture holding MHP and mobile operator Kyivstar accounted for more than half of the total deal value.

Ukraine’s credibility crisis: corruption perception still haunts economic recovery

Despite an active reform narrative and growing international engagement, corruption remains the biggest drag on Ukraine’s economic credibility, according to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

Military aid for Ukraine falls despite new Nato PURL initiative – Statista

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy found that military aid to Ukraine dropped sharply in July and August compared to previous months, despite the implementation of the Nato PURL initiative.

IMF cuts Russia’s 2025 growth forecast to 0.6%, leaves Ukraine's unchanged at 2%

The International Monetary Fund has lowered its forecast for Russia’s economic growth in 2025 to just 0.6%, marking the second-steepest downgrade among major economies, even as it raised its global outlook.

Russia's PMI indices plummet as economy cools

Russia’s private sector entered deeper contraction in September, as both services and manufacturing activity declined, according to the latest PMI data published by S&P Global.

Russian private sector activity contracts to three-year low in September – S&P Global

Ukrainian ports hit wartime record in container handling

Ukrainian ports processed 134,191 TEU in 8M25, more than during the whole of 2024, according to the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine.

Russian manufacturing PMI slump deepens in September as new orders and exports tumble

Russia’s manufacturing sector deteriorated further in September, marking the fourth consecutive month of contraction, as both domestic and foreign demand weakened, S&P Global reported on September 30.

EBRD cuts Ukraine’s 2025 growth forecast to 2.5% amid war uncertainty

Ukraine’s economy is projected to expand by 2.5% in 2025, down from a previously forecast 3.3%, as the ongoing war with Russia weighs on investment and trade, the EBRD said.

Russia draft 2026 budget cuts military spending for the first time, introduces new taxes

Russia’s Ministry of Finance presented the 2026-2028 budget that keeps spending flat, introduces new taxes to fund a ballooning budget deficit and cuts military spending for the first time in three years.

Russian banks’ August profits halve on higher reserves and weaker interest income

Russian banks posted sharply lower monthly profits in August as higher loan-loss provisions and weaker interest income weighed on earnings, the Central Bank of Russia said.

Nearly half of Russians think aliens may be hiding among humans on earth - poll

Almost one in two Russians believe extraterrestrials could be on Earth and camouflaged, hiding in the general population, according to a nationwide survey published by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM).

New KIIS report says invasion boosted Zelenskiy approval rating

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 “has substantially increased Zelenskiy’s approval rating,” according to a new release from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

Inflation falls in 70 Russian regions but remains above target

Consumer prices declined in 70 Russian regions in August compared with July, according to data released by the Central Bank of Russia on September 18, as annual inflation also eased in 77 of the country’s regions. (chart)