Default looms — but a sideshow to economic collapse Paid Members Public
International credit rating agencies believe that President Vladimir Putin’s decree on foreign debt repayment means a default is all-but inevitable. The decree states that creditors from countries that have committed “unfriendly actions” against Russia can now be paid in (increasingly worthless) rubles via special accounts in Russian banks — and
Currency controls grow as Russia defends ruble Paid Members Public
Before ‘locking’ people’s foreign currency in their accounts this week, the Central Bank forced banks to set rates of up to 20 percent on ruble accounts, and advised imposing early termination fees for new foreign currency deposits. Since the beginning of the ‘special military operation’, the following currency controls
Nationalization spree Paid Members Public
Hello! This week we focus on the economic consequences for Russia of Western sanctions amid the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. In particular, we look at how a swathe of foreign-owned businesses look set to be nationalized, the crisis in Russia’s aviation industry, a looming default, and a growing list
Emigration & economic collapse Paid Members Public
Hello! This week we continue to look at the economic and political fallout for Russia — and Russians — of the fighting in Ukraine. The four stories we focus on are: the emigration of journalists, IT specialists and other professionals; the collapse of the ruble after Western sanctions on the Central Bank;
Russian economy reels amid Ukraine invasion, sanctions Paid Members Public
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered political unrest and economic pain in Russia. And the country is being isolated by Western sanctions. After four days of fighting in Ukraine, we look at the major political and economic fallout for Russia. Reaction to war Publicly, there have been almost no
Everything changed Paid Members Public
Hello! This week, Russia invaded Ukraine. Like most others in Russia, we doubted President Vladimir Putin would actually take such a momentous step — but he did. It will lead to enormous bloodshed, and have far-reaching political and economic consequences. The military situation in Ukraine is fast-moving and, as we do
War clouds gather over Ukraine Paid Members Public
Russians have been following the course of events in Ukraine with bewilderment. As before, few believe a real war will break out. However, the level of tension is making even the most hardened skeptics nervous. And the role of Western media has become a cause of concern: deliberately or otherwise,
Figure skating scandals dominate Russia’s Winter Olympics Paid Members Public
Unlike the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which was remembered for open homophobia on Russian state-owned television, the Winter Olympics in Beijing produced genuine sporting drama. But, once again, the Russian team was the subject of serious doping allegations. Rivalry, tears — and trimetazidine Russia’s figure skaters won the team event
