Russia
Russian foreign minister accuses West of trying to destabilise Serbia
Sergei Lavrov slams sanctions on oil company NIS and claims ongoing protests are a foreign-backed effort to instigate a ‘colour revolution’ in Serbia.
Brazil to host expanded BRICS summit in July amid US dollar tensions
Brazil will host leaders from the BRICS nations and their new members in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, as the burgeoning bloc faces growing pressure from the US over plans to reduce dollar dependence in trade.
Kremlin orders Russian media to downplay importance of Trump after Putin call
Kremlin wants fewer mentions of US President Donald Trump, to emphasise Putin as the primary decision-maker
Ukrainian drone strikes Kazakhstan’s main oil export pipeline route in Russia
Attack comes on same day Hungarian and Kazakh top diplomats back idea of Ukraine conflict talks between Putin and Trump.
MOSCOW BLOG: International values-based order is dead
In his closing remarks at the end of this year’s Munich Security Conference (MSC), the outgoing chairman Christoph Heusgen broke down into tears. The event turned into an earthquake that has destroyed the trans-Atlantic partnership.
RENCAP: No major surprises as the Central Bank of Russia keeps rates on hold
The decision to maintain the key rate at 21% aligned with the consensus forecast. The regulator's rhetoric turned out to be slightly more hawkish than anticipated at the start of the week as inflation pressures remain.
Trump could use Putin to talk to Iran
Russia's Putin is being floated as a possible "Iran whisperer" as part of the Trump administration's latest push to tackle the long-standing Iran problem.
US threatens troop deployment to Ukraine if Russia resists peace talks
The United States may impose stricter sanctions and consider deploying troops to Ukraine if Moscow refuses to engage in meaningful negotiations to end the war, US Vice President JD Vance has warned.
Valentine’s Day Is a ‘spiritual venereal disease,' Russian MP Says
Valentine’s Day is a "spiritual venereal disease" and a form of "cultural sabotage" against Russia, according to Vitaly Milonov, a controversial deputy in Russia's State Duma
Poland to play key role in EU Paris meeting to counter Trump’s Ukraine talks exclusion
Poland was the poor second cousin to its EU peers when it first joined the EU two decades ago. But a flourishing economy, its frontline position and growing military might means it’s been promoted to the top table in EU affairs.
Europe out of Ukraine ceasefire talks
When asked if Europe will be at the table in the upcoming US-Russia negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, US special envoy to Ukraine retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said “no.”
Putin taking Trump talks seriously, appoints a heavy-weight team to lead the talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking the upcoming ceasefire talks with US President Donald Trump very seriously and has put together a heavyweight team of his top officials to conduct the negotiations.
Hamas in Gaza releases American, Russian and Argentine-dual national Israelis in sixth prisoner swap under ceasefire deal
Hamas has released three Israeli hostages in Gaza's southern city of Khan Yunis on February 15 under a continuing ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Ukraine's position in ceasefire talks takes turn for the worst as the Munich Security Conference gets underway
Some analysts are claiming that Putin “won the war” after Trump held a phone conversation with Putin on February 12 going over the heads of Europe and without consulting Ukraine. The two leaders plan to meet in Riyadh for one-on-one talks.
Brazil drops BRICS currency plan in favour of local payment push
Brazil will not pursue a common BRICS currency during its presidency of the bloc this year, focusing instead on facilitating trade in local currencies despite warnings from US President Donald Trump about challenging dollar dominance.
Russia’s CBR maintains key rate at 21% after putting brakes on lending
The board of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) at the policy meeting of February 14 resolved to keep the key interest rate at 21%. As followed by bne IntelliNews, this is in line with expectations.
Who is Russian sovereign wealth fund boss Kirill Dmitriev, whose Middle East connections helped broker the release of US prisoner Marc Fogel?
RDIF boss Kirill Dmitriev emerges as key broker in Fogel release deal.
Iraqi migrants face trial in Russia after EU-border jump to Latvia
Twenty-three men from Iraq's Kurdistan Region are awaiting trial in Russia following their detention at European Union borders, with one illegal migrant reportedly dying in custody.
MACRO ADVISORY: A new hope, but far from Mission Accomplished
The return of Realpolitik. True to his promise, President Trump and his team have actively engaged with the Kremlin and appear to have reached the broad outline of a roadmap towards a peace process.
Bolivia courts controversy with lopsided lithium deals favouring China and Russia
Environmental groups and economic analysts have raised fresh concerns about Bolivia's recent lithium extraction agreements with Chinese and Russian firms, highlighting potential risks to national interests and environmental sustainability.