Search

The article discusses President Joe Biden's absence from the public eye in relation to the Ukraine aid standoff. The author suggests that the lack of support for increased defense budgets and the administration's unwillingness to challenge domestic spending priorities may be signaling a desire to negotiate with Ukraine rather than using resources to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. The article also mentions the U.S.'s lack of pushback against Putin's propaganda and the potential consequences of a war over Taiwan. The author concludes by expressing concerns about Biden's leadership and the historic tragedy that the upcoming election may bring. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that governments and private donors have granted over U.S. $4.5 billion to help Georgia with reconstruction development from its conflict with Russia in August 2008 though it is presumed by diplomats that the tension will still be there in years. The World Bank assessed that $1 billion will be added for Georgia's budget to pay off pensioners and teachers and $2.25 will be needed for social support and damaged infrastructure.

The author reflects on the administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He remarks that business is what is important to the Putin regime, as shown by the appointment of Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov who is a senior member of the Ozero, a group consisting of individuals currently in charge of state-generated business in Russia. He says that the approved budget for the next three years will continue the privatization of the state.

Talks about the budget allocated by the United States Congress for nonproliferation programs to safeguard nuclear stockpiles in Russia.

Reports on the decision of Russia's parliament to approve changes to the 2001 budget to allow for debt service to the Paris Club group of creditors.

Presents news briefs from Europe and Africa as of December 28, 2000. Information on the European market's behavior toward holiday shopping; Proposed partnership of De Beers Consolidated Mines, a company which produces diamonds, with LVMH Moet-Hennessy Louis Vuitton; Details on the signing of Russia's federal budget for 2001 by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Presents business news briefs in Europe as of December 21, 2000. Fourth-quarter sales of Unilever; Details on the approval of the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham; Focus on the approval of the 2001 budget of the Russian government.

Deals with the secret media fund for pro-Kremlin propaganda included in the proposed budget of Russian President Vladimir Putin for 2001. Reason for the item's inclusion; State of relations between the Kremlin and the media since Putin's term; Where most of the media budget will be spent.

Presents several business and economic-related news briefs in Europe as of December 23, 1999. Details on the acquisition offer of Vodafone AirTouch company for Mannesmann company; Increase in industrial production in France; Information on the approval of the proposed budget by the upper house of Parliament in Russia.

Reports that Russia probably will not a have a budget for 1999 until the start of the year. Approval of the government's draft budget in December 1998; Foreign debts of Russia; Efforts of the Russian government to pay its debts.

Reports the delay of a draft for the 1999 budget in Russia. Comment from Economy Minister Andrei Shapovalyants; Restructuring talks in Russia; Problems faced by Russian banks.

Reports that the outline of Russia's 1998 budget was approved by Russian President, Boris Yeltsin. When the budget is expected to be submitted to parliament; Requirement of the budget plan; What Yelstin order from government.

Announces steps being taken by the Russian government to boost budget revenues. Industries which would be affected by the proposals; Increase in 1996 profits and revenues reported by AO Lukoil.

Reports that the Russian Parliament approved a the outlines of a 1997 budget, due to pressure from government. Difficulties which Russia will face in meeting spending promises; Areas which will be affected by budget; Statistical information on Russia's gross domestic product.

Reports that the Russian government, and a parliamentary panel approved outlines for a 1997 budget. Reference to budgetary proposal from October 1996; How plan deals with inflation.

Reports that Russia's Parliament has rejected the 1997 budget draft prepared by the administration of President Boris Yeltsin.

Reports on remarks, by Russia's Finance Minister Alexander Livshits, that in Russia's efforts to cut spending and boost revenue to control the budget, the country is running into heavy opposition. Claims that Livshits remarks contradicts other officials' of a turnaround needed for resumed credits from the International Monetary Fund.

Reports that the Russian parliament rejected several amendments to the country's 1998 budget on February 20, 1998, putting into jeopardy a lending agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Reason the amendments were introduced by the government; Why President Boris Yeltsin ordered the government to cut spending; When Parliament will debate the amendments again.

Reports on the endorsement of the final version of the 1998 budget by the Russian government, also highlighting the rallying of Russian stock by nearly 6% on February 5, 1998. Reference to the position of Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov and Anatoly Chubais in the government; Detailed information on the budget.

Presents information on the political situation in Russia with the rejection of President Boris Yeltsin's budget by the State Duma, the Communist dominated legislature on October 9, 1997. Statements made by Yeltsin in Strasbourg, France of not contesting a third term as president; Details on the budget.

Presents information on the Russian draft budget. Significance of the budget; How much is the cap for foreign borrowing set at.

Reports on the approval by the Russian Parliament `Duma' to curb government spending in a bid to control budget deficit and curb inflation. Proposals suggested in the 1995 budget; Statistics on Russian budget deficits and more incentives for foreign investment in Russia by President Boris Yeltsin.

Reports that Russia's lower house of parliament, the Duma, has approved the 1996 budget. Its impact on 1996 budget on reform program; Prediction of budget's acceptance by Federal Council; Implementation by Russian President Boris Yeltsin; More on Russia's political agenda.