Russia
BRICS launch gold-backed cryptocurrency to replace the dollar
The BRICS group has launched a working prototype of a gold-backed trade currency known as the “Unit”, as the world’s leading emerging markets search for a way to ditch the dollar,.
Only two points left to agree on in peace deal talks - Kellogg
Only two points on the most recent 27-point peace plan (27PPP) Moscow meeting on December 3 remain unresolved, special envoy to Ukraine retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said on December 7.
Russian bubbly floods shelves as domestic sparkling wine dominates 72% of market
Forget French champagne: Russian sparkling wine has surged to 72% market share as sanctions-era investment pays off with record production and 60 new varieties.
Pentagon sets 2027 “hard deadline” to end support for Europe’s Nato conventional defences
The United States has told the European Nato allies that it will hand over responsibility for conventional defence capabilities by 2027 and no longer act as the automatic security guarantor, Reuters reports on December 6.
COMMENT: Putin's India visit concludes with multiple promises of deeper cooperation
While the two sides inked over 16 agreements, a clear pivot towards high-technology sectors, critical minerals, and joint manufacturing ventures dominated much of the agenda.
MARTINS: The successes and failures of the Ukrainian drone industry
By mid-2014, after the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in Donbas, an industry emerged that would become the pillar of Ukrainian national defence, driving innovations that would influence modern warfare.
How Kazakhstan and Western oil major partners could take $27bn yearly hit from Ukraine’s drone attacks on Black Sea port
Moscow, on the other hand, might lose a mere $0.6bn annually, argues analyst.
Russian arms revenues rise 23% as domestic war demand offsets export collapse
Russia’s leading defence firms recorded strong revenue growth in 2024, driven by surging domestic demand for weapons to sustain the war in Ukraine, even as Western sanctions and falling arms exports weighed on international sales,
Russia's central bank lifts limits on foreign currency transfers abroad from December 8
Russia's central bank lifts $10,000 monthly limit on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russians and friendly-country residents from December 8
COMMENT: New “unipolar” National Security Strategy, puts US on collision course with China, Russia
The 2025 US National Security Strategy (NSS), released quietly on the White House website on December 5 outlining Donald Trump’s foreign policy, sets out in unambiguous terms America’s intent to maintain the unipolar world.
MOSCOW BLOG: Mr Putin goes to New Delhi
Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be having a good time in India on what is turning into an annual state visit to talk shop. There is a lot on the agenda. The short-term stuff involves security, oil and the ruble-rupee exchange problems.
EU-US rift deepens as European leaders warn Zelenskiy not to trust Trump - Der Spiegel
Deep divisions have emerged between the US and Europe as the first serious attempt to halt the war in Ukraine gets underway. EU leaders warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy not to trust the White House, as it could “betray” Kyiv.
Russian business and banks seek to expand in India during Putin’s visit
Russia’s VEB.RF Group plans to widen its Indian footprint as Moscow seeks smoother access for Russian firms operating in the country.
Saudi Arabia grants licence to Russia's Azimuth Airlines for scheduled flights
Saudi Arabia grants Azimuth Airlines licence for scheduled flights from three Russian cities to Jeddah and Riyadh, following visa exemption agreement signed between the two countries.
IntelliNews Lambda: The cost of Russia’s iconic Olivier salad and the Borscht index both up as food inflation bites
The cost of Russia’s traditional Olivier salad has risen 4% ahead of the 2026 New Year holidays, according to new data published by TASS on December 5, citing research from financial services marketplace Sravni.
EU proposes emergency powers to raise €210bn from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
The European Commission will invoke “emergency powers” to raise up to €210bn for Ukraine using frozen Russian state assets, in a move that could bypass the need for unanimous approval by member states and sidestep potential vetoes.
During Putin’s visit, Russian air defence and fighters high on Indian agenda
In 2018, India agreed to buy five S-400 battalions for $5.43bn, however two of these systems remain undelivered and delayed, likely due to Russia backfilling its own inventories due to losses and expanded requirements of its war in Ukraine.
Rahul Gandhi links Putin's India visit to claim that government is blocking opposition access to foreign dignitaries
He said the government has discouraged visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting him or other Opposition representatives, describing the practice as a departure from established norms.
Modi extends unusually personal reception as Putin begins tightly scheduled India visit
His arrival triggered an unusually personal gesture from Narendra Modi, who greeted the Russian leader at Delhi’s Palam airport before accompanying him directly to the prime ministerial residence.
Moscow cautions on expanding terror threats tied to Afghanistan and the Middle East
Russia has issued a renewed warning over what it describes as a rapidly evolving terrorist landscape driven by instability in Afghanistan and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.