Russia lags behind in push for electric vehicles Paid Members Public
Sales of electric vehicles are increasing rapidly all over the world with the pandemic merely accelerating this trend. In an investigation published Monday, The Bell looked at whether Russia can catch up with the pacesetters of ‘electrification’. Even though the Russian government announced ambitious plans last year, the country’s
Information war Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about the unabated tensions over Ukraine and the rising casualties of a bitter ‘information war’. We also look at the doping allegations and rivalries in figure skating that have blighted Russia’s Winter Olympics, and why Russia is falling behind when it comes
Invasion week? Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is the fever-pitch speculation about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine and why many Russian experts remain skeptical that a large-scale military conflict is imminent. We also look at the latest moves in the Kremlin’s bid to tighten control over the internet, how
Despite US warnings, Ukraine invasion still seen as unlikely Paid Members Public
Fears Russia is about to launch an invasion of Ukraine reached fever-pitch this weekend as the current crisis approached a moment of truth. No-one can say with any certainty what will happen Wednesday — the date of an attack reportedly given by U.S. President Joe Biden — but most independent Russian
Kremlin push to increase control over the internet Paid Members Public
The Russian authorities are investing significant sums in order to extend state control over the internet, according to a media investigation published last week. At the same time, there are big changes underway at VK, the company that controls Russia’s biggest social network (Vkontakte). According to The Bell’s
‘Tax on the rich’ raises $1bln in first year Paid Members Public
The Federal Tax Service released Thursday details about the first year of a ‘tax on the rich’. However, this is not a tax on billionaires. Since last year, income tax in Russia has risen to 15 percent (from a flat-rate 13 percent) for anyone earning more than 5 million rubles
Media investigation of Sputnik V reveals litany of errors Paid Members Public
An investigation published Thursday by independent media outlet Meduza (designated a ‘foreign agent’ by the Russian authorities) and The Bell looked in detail at Russia’s coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V. Throughout vaccine development, pressure to beat international competitors seems to have forced error after error — despite the vaccine itself clearly
Putin hosts Kadyrov amid outrage over ‘blood feud’ Paid Members Public
Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya, has long been allowed to flout Russian law. And the Kremlin this week reaffirmed his untouchable status as security officers loyal to the former warlord continued their high-profile pursuit of the family of an opposition blogger. The blogger’s
