Russia
Moscow’s Watcom shopping index almost back to normal as shoppers return to Moscow's malls
Moscow’s Watcom shopping index has recovered almost all of the ground lost during the lockdown in spring as Russian consumers have returned to the top malls in the capital.
FPRI BMB Ukraine: A shaky ceasefire is holding in Donbas for the moment
A “comprehensive ceasefire” in Eastern Ukraine that was agreed to last week in Minsk officially started on August 2. There were immediately violations but the number of attacks by separatists has fallen significantly
Russian manufacturing PMI remains under pressure in July
The headline seasonally adjusted IHS Markit Russia Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) has remained under pressure in July, posting 48.4, down from the 49.4 seen in June, IHS Markit reported on August 3.
Russian startup to bioprint KFC chicken nuggets
3D Bioprinting Solutions, a resident of the Skolkovo Foundation Biomedical Cluster, has tied up with KFC bio-print chick nuggets
Russian recruitment platform HeadHunter goes unicorn, cements $1bn valuation
Online recruitment platform HeadHunter has sealed its position as a $1bn tech company after a new multi-million dollar share deal confirmed the company’s soaring valuation, reports East-West Digital News (EWDN).
Who are the 33 Russian mercenaries arrested in Minsk?
More details of the 33 Russian mercenaries arrested in Minsk emerged on July 30. Belarus has accused a Kremlin-linked military contractor of sending 200 fighters to destabilise the country ahead of August 9 presidential elections.
Iran buys six “Caspian Sea Monster” ekranoplans from Russia
Ground effect vehicles, or GEVs, often mistaken for planes, fly using lift generated by large wings around four metres above water surface. Technology was originally trialled in 1970s by Soviets. Private investors have given it new lease of life.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has regained his lead in the popularity rankings over Russia’s regional governors
In March the governors overtook Putin in the popularity stakes with an approval rating of 65 vs Putin’s 63, but since then they have seen their popularity fall by 7pp
Russian consumer confidence crashed in 2Q20, business confidence starts to recover
Consumer confidence crashed in the second quarter of this year, while business confidence has started to recover after its nadir in May.
One in three Russian companies lost money over the first four months of this year
The share of unprofitable organisations in Russia in January-May 2020 amounted to 36%. At the same time, the profit of Russian enterprises fell by more than two times, according to Rosstat data.
Turkey’s Armenia, Azerbaijan conflict role should be to “keep itself as far away as possible” says Armenian diplomat as military exercises are announced
Ankara attempting to export “very destabilising” presence it has shown in eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and Middle East to South Caucasus says Yerevan’s envoy to Netherlands.
MACRO ADVISER: August in Russia: what could possibly go wrong?
August is the month when more memorable events occur in Russia than in any other month of the year; whether accidents, natural catastrophes or political events.
Russia denies interfering in North Macedonia’s July 15 general election
Election marred by hacker attacks and leaked recordings of conversations among top politicians. Foreign ministry spokesperson says speculation about Russian influence are “absurd” and accuses West of hypocrisy.
Anti-Kremlin protests grow in Russian Far East
Tens of thousands have demanded the release of Khabarovsk governor Sergei Furgal, arrested this month on murder charges. The appointment of an interim governor has failed to prevent protests from entering their third week.
Russia's CBR makes cautious interest rate cut to 4.25%
CBR makes cautious quarter-point interest rate cut to 4.25%, against analysts' expectations.
Online piracy on the rise again in Russia in lockdown
Pirated content was axed by 25% in 2019. However, as the coronavirus lockdown increased the demand for online entertainment, a new wave of pirated content aggregators emerged.
Russian M&A market down to nine-year low in 1H20
M&A volume in 1H20 was only boosted by the finance ministry's purchase of 50% of Russia's largest bank Sberbank from the Central Bank of Russia for $33.9bn.
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White House “paying little attention” to Armenia Azerbaijan fighting says Carnegie analyst
Assessment concludes Washington does not see Caucasus as priority. Meanwhile, Iran, Russia and Turkey are filling “vacuum”.
Risk analysis identifies Turkey, Iran and Russia among 37 nations likely to face mass ‘post-Covid’ protests
“It’s a tinderbox” says analyst who determined projections of civil unrest and ability of countries to bounce back from pandemic.
Russia, Turkey ‘agree to continue work towards sustainable Libya ceasefire’
Announcement comes after vote by Egyptian parliament to give green light to possible military intervention.