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THE BELL WEEKLY: Russian ruble woes Members Public

Hello! This week, our main story is about the ruble's downturn amid Prigozhin’s mutiny. We also look at a new challenge for Russians in Germany, and we talk with demographer about whether Russia is dying out. Russian ruble plummets amid Prigozhin rebellion The Russian ruble has nose-dived

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Newsletters

The collapsing ruble is a headache for the Kremlin Members Public

Hello! This is your weekly guide to the Russian economy — prepared and  brought to you by The Bell. In this newsletter we focus on why the Russian currency is on a rollercoaster and what political consequences it may have. We also look at how the government might be able to

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Economy Weekly

“Prigozhin’s political ambitions were obvious – and he had to be eliminated.” Political scientist Grigory Golosov talks about Wagner’s mutiny and its consequences Members Public

Prigozhin’s mutiny has left many unanswered questions, leading The Bell to consult Russian political scientist Grigory Golosov for insight into its political implications. * Contrary to what many Western commentators say, Golosov argues that Wagner’s mutiny is not a "crushing blow" for Putin. Instead, Golosov suggests that

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Bacardi breaks its promise to end trade with Russia, sees profits triple Members Public

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, alcohol manufacturer Bacardi International announced that it would stop exporting its alcoholic beverages to Russia and freeze investment and promotion programs. However, over the past year, Bacardi's Russian subsidiary has experienced a threefold increase in profits. * In March of

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Business

Prigozhin abandons media empire following failed mutiny Members Public

Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin faces disgrace after his failed mutiny on June 23-24. As a result, he is rushing to dispose of his assets, including the Patriot media group — which encompasses the Internet Research Agency, widely known as a "troll factory.” Hunt for trolls Prigozhin owns multiple news

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Politics

THE BELL WEEKLY: Prigozhin’s Patriot Media Group closes up shop Members Public

Hello! This week, our main story is about the end of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s media empire. We also look into Bacardi’s ongoing business presence in Russia despite the company’s promise to halt all exports to Russia and freeze investments and advertising. Finally, we talk with political scientist Grigory

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Newsletters

Bacardi reneges on promise to quit Russia, sees profits triple Members Public

After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, alcohol manufacturer Bacardi International announced that it would cease exporting its alcoholic drink range to Russia and would freeze investment and promotion programs. However, the pledge to halt supplies disappeared from the press release soon after and, over the past year, the profits

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The trans community is the latest to fall victim to Russian state repression Members Public

While much of the world is celebrating Pride month in support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, Russia is preparing changes to legislation that would prohibit gender transition. Russian lawmakers explain these changes as protection of “traditional values” and “national interests.” But in reality, it means that the lives of

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Politics

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An inside look at the Russian economy and politics. Exclusively in your inbox every week.