How Russia’s Military Operation Has Impacted Ordinary Citizens, According to a New Survey
The findings reveal a nation facing economic strain, emotional toll, and shifting views—while many feel unaffected.
And a whole world in BRIEFLY.
Russian Railways Faces Mounting Debt Amid Suspicions of Engineered Financial Crisis
Amid a new multi-billion-ruble bond issue, analysts suspect Russian Railways’ deepening financial troubles may be part of a calculated strategy to trigger a covert ownership change.
Russia’s Unmanned Systems Troops: Grand Plans, Slipping Deadlines
The effort to establish a dedicated Unmanned Systems branch within Russia’s Armed Forces is sputtering. The deadline Defense Minister Andrei Belousov set for standing up an independent service by the third quarter of 2025 now appears likely to slip.
War Fatigue Deepens: Most Russians Now Favor Peace Talks
Support for negotiations is strongest among young people, residents of rural areas, and those in smaller towns.
Farming Booms, Margins Bust: Tight Money Chokes Russia’s Fields
Agriculture has continued to show stability and growth over the year, even as recessionary trends weigh on the broader real sector.
Between Stewardship and Autonomy: Why the Kremlin Needs the “Russian Community”
Debates around the “Russian Community” movement have intensified amid the surge of right-nationalist discourse.
Moscow Signals “Soft Stagflation” as Growth Forecasts Are Slashed
Ministry cuts GDP, investment, and demand outlooks—paving the way for a 22% VAT and a new low-growth normal.
Russia’s 2026–2028 Budget Draft: Higher VAT, Tighter Rules for SMEs, and a Policy Standoff
The most significant changes are as follows: the value-added tax (VAT) will increase from 20% to 22% (the 10% rate for socially important goods is retained).
Kremlin Sets Stage for December Q&A: Managed Messaging, Limited Surprises
Preparation for the annual press conference and call-in show with the president is already underway.
Dmitry Kozak: From Heir Apparent to Retiree
A deep profile of Dmitry Kozak—from GRU veteran and legal architect of Putin’s vertical to Olympic czar and Ukraine negotiator—and his 2025 fall from power.
Russia’s 2025 Single Voting Day: “New People” Remain an Administrative Project, Not a Systemic Party
Analysis of Russia’s 2025 Single Voting Day: New People show modest regional gains, rely on administrative leverage, and face Kremlin-managed rivalry with SRZP.
Rumors and Speculation Swirl Around the All-Moscow Cross Procession
Inside the All-Moscow Cross Procession: disputed headcounts, church–nationalist mobilization, and what security services and Kremlin calculus reveal.
Reality Check for AvtoVAZ: Manturov’s ‘Competitive’ Ladas vs. Cheaper, Better-Equipped Chinese Rivals
Manturov touts new Ladas as competitive, yet Iskra lags the cheaper, better-equipped Jetour X50 and Azimut is only a prototype—despite massive state funding.
