Repression follows referendum Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about a series of high-profile arrests and searches that have followed the recent constitutional referendum. We also look at a record $2 billion environmental fine for mining giant Norilsk Nickel, and messaging app Telegram’s unexpected rapprochement with the Russian authorities. A week
Putin’s referendum victory Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is on how Russians voted ‘yes’ in Putin’s constitutional referendum marred by unprecedented levels of electoral fraud. We also look at the political turmoil in neighboring Belarus, and what happens when Russian celebrities fall foul of the ethical standards upheld by Western brands.
Audi drops Sobchak over racism allegations Paid Members Public
Russian TV presenter and former presidential candidate Ksenia Sobchak was dropped as a brand ambassador by German carmaker Audi on Wednesday over social media posts she made about the Black Lives Matter protests. The decision was reminiscent of how Pepsi cut ties with TV journalist Regina Todorenko last month when
Putin wants Russia to become an IT hub Paid Members Public
In a televised address to the nation Tuesday, Putin also announced big tax cuts for the IT sector, apparently a bid to “turn Russia into India” by using tax incentives to attract and retain tech entrepreneurs. Putin claimed that, even in the midst of a pandemic, it was clear how
Voting underway in Putin’s constitutional referendum Paid Members Public
This week marked the beginning of the constitutional referendum that will likely ‘reset’ Putin’s presidential term count and allow him to remain Russian leader until 2036. In the build up to the vote, Putin gave a live TV address in which he praised Russia’s response to the coronavirus
Constitutional referendum underway Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is on the start of voting in Russia’s constitutional referendum that will pave the way for Vladimir Putin to remain president until 2036. We also look at Putin’s fantastical plan to turn Russia into an IT hub and why TV presenter Ksenia
The end of the road for Vedomosti Paid Members Public
This week saw the end of Vedomosti’s editorial independence after 20 years as one of Russia’s most respected business newspapers. The media outlet’s new owner, Ivan Yeryemin, confirmed Tuesday the appointment of chief editor Andrei Shmarov, who is deeply implicated in censorship and closely tied to state-owned
Kremlin considering an end to flat rate income tax Paid Members Public
Officials at the top of government are looking at scrapping the flat rate personal income tax, which has been a cornerstone of Russia’s tax policy under Putin. The move would be marketed as promoting ‘social justice’ and likely coincide with the constitutional referendum scheduled for the end of June
