The collapsing ruble is a headache for the Kremlin Paid 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
“Prigozhin’s political ambitions were obvious – and he had to be eliminated.” Political scientist Grigory Golosov talks about Wagner’s mutiny and its consequences Paid 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
Bacardi breaks its promise to end trade with Russia, sees profits triple Paid 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
Prigozhin abandons media empire following failed mutiny Paid 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
THE BELL WEEKLY: Prigozhin’s Patriot Media Group closes up shop Paid 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
Budget planning and Russia’s spending reduction pipe-dream Paid Members Public
Hello! This is Alexandra Prokopenko with your weekly guide to the Russian economy — brought to you by The Bell. In this newsletter we focus on whether — as some officials are advocating — Russia could actually reduce spending in its next budget despite the war in Ukraine. We also look at how
Bacardi reneges on promise to quit Russia, sees profits triple Paid 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
THE BELL WEEKLY: Prigozhin’s attempted mutiny exposes cracks in the Russian regime Paid Members Public
Hello! This week, our main story is the extraordinary attempted rebellion carried out by the Wagner mercenary group and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, against Russia’s military leadership. We also look at what could come next and the economic consequences of this crisis. Saturday was an almost unbelievable day in
