Russia
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Russia budget deficit widens as oil revenues slump despite expected windfall
Russia’s federal budget deficit widened sharply in the first quarter as oil and gas revenues fell steeply, with economists warning that a price surge linked to the Iran conflict has yet to feed through into state finances.
Russia allows Telegram campaigning for Duma elections despite platform's formal blocking
Russia's election commission says parties can campaign on Telegram for autumn 2026 Duma elections despite the platform's formal blocking. The app retains 65mn daily users in Russia but faces heavy restrictions.
Ukraine’s hope for a peace deal with Russia rekindled by Iran ceasefire
Ukraine’s hopes for restarting peace talks with Russia have been rekindled after a two-week ceasefire deal in Iran was agreed on April 7.
Falling electrotech costs create a fast catch up path for Global South
A new energy pathway is emerging for developing economies, one that challenges the assumption that fossil fuels are a prerequisite for growth, according to a new report by Ember.
Argentina revokes press credentials amid probe into alleged Russian disinformation network
Argentina has revoked press credentials for several local media outlets following allegations they were linked to a Russian-backed disinformation campaign uncovered by an international investigation.
Yandex captures 70% of Russia’s search market, outpacing Google
Yandex (YNDX) holds around 70% of all search queries in Russia, consolidating its position as the dominant domestic search engine and outpacing global rival Google, according to motoram.ru.
Ukraine’s drone strikes surpass Russia’s as production ramps up despite bottlenecks
Ukraine launched more cross-border drone strikes than Russia in March for the first time since the war began in 2022, as both sides expand unmanned capabilities.
Russian crypto payment system A7 to expand to Africa
A7 is reportedly preparing to expand into Africa, including a planned launch in Togo, while already operating in Nigeria and announcing a presence in Zimbabwe.
Hungary's Orban says friendship elevated to new level in leaked talk with Putin
Leaked conversation reinforced narratives that Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, long seen as Russia’s strongest ally within the EU, often aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests.
Price of Russia’s Urals oil hits highest since 2013
Price of Russian Urals blend oil hit the highest in 13 years amid the supply squeeze fallout from the war in Iran
US consumers under pressure as Gulf energy crisis expands
US consumers are coming under increasing pressure as the effects of the energy shock from the Gulf War ripple amounts across the world.
Can pipelines make a comeback?
The shock to LNG supply is forcing buyers to confront both physical disruption and rising dependence on the US, which could revive interest in long-stalled pipeline projects.
The world could run out of chocolate by 2050
The world could face a severe shortage of chocolate by 2050 as climate change disrupts cocoa production in key growing regions, according to scientific estimates and industry data.
Hungary urges end to Russian energy sanctions as energy crisis builds
Hungary has called for the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned that Europe faces a potential energy crisis and ordered military protection for a key pipeline.
Russia evacuates 175 Rosatom staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant via Armenia
Russia evacuates 175 Rosatom nuclear workers from Iran's Bushehr plant via Armenia after April 4 strike near the facility killed a guard and damaged an auxiliary building.
Russia shares Israel key power sector targeting intelligence for a possible Iranian Power Day retaliation
With US President Donald Trump’s Power Day deadline looming, where he has promised to do “irreversible damage” to Iran's power grid, Russia has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence of the weaknesses of Israel’s power system.
Slovak PM Fico to visit Moscow for Victory Day
Robert Fico was the only EU leader to attend the Moscow parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII last year.
Russian authorities crack down on VPN use
Russia has launched a major crackdown on the use of VPNs as part of a wider move to establish control of the Internet in the country.
Russian procurement platform B2B-RTS to IPO
Russia’s largest electronic procurement platform B2B-RTS announced it will proceed with an IPO on the Moscow Exchange.
Ukraine continues drone attack on Russian oil infrastructure
Ukraine launched overnight drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, damaging an oil pipeline near the Baltic port of Primorsk in Leningrad Oblast and striking facilities deeper inside the country,