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Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine led to a proliferation of volunteer formations fighting alongside the regular armed forces. These include "private" military companies (PMCs) and units financed or recruited by governors, big corporations, Cossack groups or Donbas veterans. The advantages of this kind of "covert mobilization" for the Kremlin are threefold: enlarging the recruitment pool, financial burden-sharing, and containing domestic discontent by concealing the high number of casualties and avoiding or at least postponing yet another unpopular round of compulsory mobilization. At the same time, the mushrooming of various volunteer formations entails risks for the regime, too, as the Wagner mutiny revealed. After the failed mutiny, the Wagner model--which was based on controlling financial means and recruitment processes, together with extensive operational autonomy--was destroyed; the Kremlin initiated a new phase of dealing with the volunteer formations and subjected them to tighter control. Nonetheless, they could eventually become useful instruments for individual power projection in the event of a weakening of Putin's power vertical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considered a "colossus on clay feet" during the first years of its existence, OPEC+ evolved into a durable and sustainable structure capable of influencing the situation in the global oil market, and one that also enjoys a relatively long-term planning horizon in the current times of unpredictability. Not the least role in this was played by the development of the Russian-Saudi dialogue, as well as by the Kremlin's growing responsibility as an OPEC+ member. The rationale behind the Russian behavior is more complicated than it might seem: the Kremlin's strategy toward OPEC+ has been shaped not only by Russia's need to ensure funding for its war in Ukraine, but also by its serious economic concerns related to the future of the global oil market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The war has marginalized Russia in world politics, revealed the domestic and international overestimation of Russia's military power, and cut domestic standards of living. Accepting the loss of Russia's previous imperial status could enable Russian society to see the country's future in more realistic terms. War in Ukraine, President Putin's leadership, the government's highly qualified economists, the Kremlin's management of domestic events, and China's passive support currently stabilize the regime. The end of Putin's leadership, victory in or loss of the war, a nuclear strike by Russia, and the loss of the alliance with China could each trigger change. The escalation of war, full-scale mobilization, amongst other things, could contribute to crumbling the resilience of the Russian political system. Regardless, further Russian aggression and isolation are possible, particularly if political changes in the US and the EU undermine support for Ukraine. This article sums up an expert discussion convened at the Bank of Finland on November 20, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian government, which has promoted conspiracy theories for years, has done so with special intensity since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This article explains the role conspiratorial propaganda has played in the war, highlighting the Kremlin's aims of persuasion, signaling, and confusion. It also discusses how the authorities seek to target varying audiences inside Russia, internationally, and in Ukraine. Although conspiracy theories are unlikely to be decisive in the outcome of the war, they provide insight into the Kremlin's worldview and indicate how it aims to shape public opinion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the upcoming talks between the US and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine, with Ukraine expressing concern over not being included in the discussions. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy's aide emphasized the importance of Ukraine's involvement in the talks to avoid backdoor dealings. The US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss restoring relations and potential negotiations on Ukraine, with Zelenskiy planning to seek details from Saudi officials. President Trump's shift in policy towards engaging with Russia without Kyiv's involvement is highlighted, marking a departure from previous US positions on Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the upcoming talks between the US and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine, with Ukraine expressing concern over not being included in the discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's aide emphasized the importance of including Kyiv in talks to hear their position. The talks are set to take place in Saudi Arabia, with representatives from both countries discussing ways to resolve the conflict and potentially arranging a summit between Presidents Trump and Putin. President Trump's shift in policy towards Russia, including engaging without Kyiv's involvement, is highlighted in the article. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the disbandment of the KleptoCapture task force by the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump's administration, which was established to enforce sanctions on Russia for its war on Ukraine. A senior Kremlin envoy, Boris Titov, sees this move as a positive sign for normalizing US-Russia relations. The Department of Justice has not provided a comment on this decision, and it remains uncertain if other US agencies will take over the responsibility of combating sanctions violations related to Russia's actions in Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

The Kremlin has neither confirmed nor denied reports of a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump reportedly mentioned the call on Air Force One, stating that Putin wanted to see an end to the conflict. While there is no official confirmation of the call, Trump has expressed his commitment to ending the war in Ukraine since the beginning of his second term. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union is considering a phased ban on Russian aluminum imports as part of a comprehensive sanctions package in response to the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. The proposed sanctions also include cutting off more banks from the SWIFT banking system and targeting dark-fleet vessels involved in shipping Russian oil. The EU imported about 320,000 tons of unwrought aluminum from Russia in the first 11 months of 2024, but there have been calls to ban Russian aluminum since the invasion of Ukraine. The package will require approval from all member states and could change before being formally proposed. [Extracted from the article]

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is facing significant protests following a railway station roof collapse that killed 15 people. The resignation of his close ally, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, has led to the collapse of the government. Protesters are demanding Vucic's resignation due to complaints of corruption and faulty infrastructure, but the outcome remains uncertain as Vucic holds all the power in the nation. The political turmoil is impacting Serbian financial markets, and Vucic has shifted his alliances away from Putin towards European allies in hopes of joining the European Union. [Extracted from the article]

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is facing mass protests following a railway station roof collapse that killed 15 people. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, a close ally, resigned, leading to the government's collapse. Protesters, including students and a fractured opposition, are calling for Vucic to step down, but the outcome remains uncertain in a nation where he holds all the power. Vucic has shifted away from his close ties with Putin since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, seeking to improve relations with European allies as he aims to bring Serbia into the European Union. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, is advocating for a reduction in the price cap on Russian oil to weaken the Kremlin's revenue stream. This move is seen as a way to impact Russia's national fund, which has been depleted due to decreased oil and gas revenues. The Group of Seven nations are considering various options, including lowering the price threshold from $60 to around $40, to target Moscow's ability to finance its conflict with Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the challenges Russia faces despite appearing to have the upper hand. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasizes that Russia's gains in Ukraine will come at a cost in the future. The article also mentions the potential for a ceasefire and the involvement of the incoming administration of Donald Trump in resolving the conflict. Additionally, it touches on the support provided by the US to Ukraine and the strategic implications of the conflict on Russia's other international endeavors. [Extracted from the article]

President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to meet with US President-elect Donald Trump, despite not having spoken in over four years. Trump has indicated his desire to end Russia's war on Ukraine, but the terms of negotiation remain unclear. Putin also mentioned his intention to speak with ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who recently sought refuge in Moscow. Russia is engaged in discussions with the new leadership in Syria to maintain strategic naval and air bases in the region. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration is considering imposing new sanctions on Russia's oil trade to weaken Putin's regime before Trump's return to the White House. These potential measures could target Russian oil exports and the tanker fleet used for transportation. The move aims to increase pressure on Russia amid fears of Trump's approach to Ukraine and concerns about the impact on global oil prices. Despite Russia's resilience to previous sanctions, the US is looking to leave a challenging legacy in US-Russia relations by tightening restrictions on the country's oil industry. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration is considering imposing harsher sanctions on Russia's oil trade to weaken President Putin before Donald Trump's return to the White House. These potential measures could target Russian oil exports and the tanker fleet used to transport oil. The European Union is also planning similar actions on Russia's shadow fleet. The US is looking to increase pressure on Russia before Trump takes office, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position in talks to end the war. [Extracted from the article]

In November, Russia's oil revenues decreased for the second consecutive month due to lower crude prices, impacting the nation's budget and financing for the war against Ukraine. The decline in oil-related taxes, which generated 605.2 billion rubles, was around 21% lower than the previous year. Despite geopolitical tensions and OPEC's decision to withhold some barrels, Russia's oil and gas proceeds fell by nearly 17% in November, potentially affecting the Kremlin's ability to fund military spending. The nation's central bank warned that a drop in crude prices below $60 per barrel could create economic complications, while the OPEC+ alliance, led by Russia, is finalizing production policy for early 2025 to address global oversupply concerns. [Extracted from the article]

FEATURES THE dramatic but short-lived mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group, on June 23-24, has left Russia in disarray. According to NATO estimates, in the battle of Bakhmut, in which Russia gained territory with frontal assaults, Russia lost five men for every Ukrainian killed. According to the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prigozhin met with Putin in the Kremlin on June 29, five days after the mutiny collapsed, and assured him of Wagner's unconditional support. In a June 23 video released by his press service, Prigozhin said that the Defense Ministry deceived both Putin and Russian society when it claimed, in February 2022, that the country faced an imminent threat from Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses how Russia's low unemployment rate, caused by the labor shortage following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is impacting businesses. Salaries have increased, leading to inflation risks, and companies are struggling to find workers, turning to teenagers, retirees, and even foreign countries for employees. The labor shortage is affecting various industries, with some businesses experiencing up to a 30% worker shortfall. The departure of migrant workers and tightening immigration rules have exacerbated the situation, and experts predict the labor shortage will persist in the coming year. [Extracted from the article]

Poland's President Andrzej Duda accused German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of trying to sideline Donald Trump in negotiations over Ukraine to improve Germany's relations with Russia. Duda criticized Scholz's phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his decision to exclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy from talks in Berlin. Duda, a close ally of Trump, warned the US president-elect about attempts to limit his actions in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The article highlights the complex diplomatic maneuvers and concerns surrounding the future of Ukraine as Trump's return to office looms. [Extracted from the article]

Russia, known for its high levels of corruption, is cracking down on corrupt officials to strengthen its military capabilities and address financial strains exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. The number of corruption-related criminal cases, sentences, and asset seizures has increased significantly since the conflict began. President Putin's government is intensifying efforts to combat corruption, seizing billions of rubles in assets and freezing funds to curb misappropriation of state resources. The crackdown aims to improve the efficiency of Russia's fighting force and reduce the impact of corruption on national defense spending. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Bloomberg.com highlights the significant increase in food prices in Russia, posing a challenge for President Vladimir Putin amidst the country's military ambitions. Prices of staple foods like potatoes and butter have surged, impacting household budgets and leading to concerns from officials about controlling inflation. Factors such as the war in Ukraine, labor shortages, weather conditions, and sanctions have contributed to the rise in prices, prompting government interventions to stabilize the food market and address the issue. [Extracted from the article]

Reports on Sunday said Trump had spoken to Putin last week and warned him about U.S. military presence in Europe to deter any escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germany is focusing on strengthening ties with India amidst strained relations with China, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz visiting India to forge a strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key issues include a submarine contract, India's relations with Russia and China, and Germany's efforts to diversify trade away from China. Germany is also seeking help from India to address its labor shortages by attracting skilled migrants. The visit highlights the potential for collaboration between the two countries in various areas. [Extracted from the article]

Russian spies conducted a comprehensive espionage and hacking campaign in Georgia, targeting government institutions, energy companies, and media platforms between 2017 and 2020. The hacking operations, aimed at influencing electoral outcomes, were part of Russia's efforts to control Georgia and weaken its pro-Western foreign policy. The breadth and severity of the attacks, previously unreported, highlight the ongoing geopolitical struggle in the region as Georgia faces crucial parliamentary elections. The hacking campaign, conducted by Russian intelligence agencies, allowed Moscow to eavesdrop on Georgian officials and gain the capability to tamper with vital infrastructure services if needed. [Extracted from the article]

China is set to surpass Europe as the top market for Russia's pipeline gas this year due to reduced flows to Europe following the conflict in Ukraine. Gazprom PJSC exported 23.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China in the first nine months of the year, a significant increase from the previous year. While Gazprom plans to increase gas supplies to China further, Europe remains reliant on Russian gas, with some countries like Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia still heavily dependent on it. As Gazprom's transit agreement with Ukraine expires in December 2024, European officials are exploring alternative solutions, such as Azerbaijan, to replace the halted gas flows. [Extracted from the article]

Former US President Donald Trump sent Russian President Vladimir Putin Covid-19 testing devices during the height of the pandemic, according to a new book by journalist Bob Woodward. The Kremlin confirmed that the tests had been sent but denied the book's claim that the two leaders had spoken by phone several times since Trump left office. Trump's relationship with Putin has been criticized by Democrats, who argue that it shows his coziness with dictators and jeopardizes US security. Trump has boasted about his relationship with Putin and claimed that he could broker an end to Russia's war on Ukraine if re-elected. [Extracted from the article]

North Korea has fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, shortly after sending its foreign minister to Russia. The missiles were launched towards waters off North Korea's east coast and flew approximately 400 kilometers. South Korea condemned the launch as a provocative act and is sharing information with the US and Japan. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui recently held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, but there are no plans for her to meet with President Vladimir Putin during this visit. The launch comes ahead of a parliamentary meeting in North Korea that is expected to approve measures raising tensions with South Korea. South Korea and the US have accused North Korea of sending weapons to Russia to aid in its assault on Ukraine, while Russia has denied these accusations. [Extracted from the article]

Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea to hold talks with leader Kim Jong Un. The visit is likely to raise concerns about arms transfers that support Russia's war on Ukraine. Shoigu and Kim discussed various bilateral and international topics, aiming to facilitate a deal signed between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit follows a previous meeting between Shoigu and Kim in 2023, where the North Korean leader showcased his latest weapons, including ballistic missiles that were later used in the conflict in Ukraine. The visit also comes after increased trade between North Korea and Russia, which included artillery shells and short-range ballistic missiles. The close relationship between Russia and North Korea has been strengthened by Putin's visit to Pyongyang and a defense agreement signed between Kim and Putin. Despite evidence of arms transfers, both countries have denied these accusations. [Extracted from the article]

Russian and Ukrainian officials have confirmed that Russian forces are attempting to retake land in the Kursk region that was taken by Ukrainian troops in early August. The scale of the counteroffensive is unclear, and the claims have not been independently verified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the US for delaying its decision on approving long-range strikes inside Russia, which he believes has allowed Russia to redeploy weapons deeper into its territory. Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that the US is open to discussing Ukraine's request to use Western long-range weapons against Russia. This comes after confirming that Russia has received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran. Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will travel to Kyiv to discuss the missile issue, and it will also be a topic of discussion when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with US President Joe Biden in Washington. The US currently opposes Ukraine using the weapons inside Russian territory due to concerns about possible Russian escalation. Iran's transfer of missiles to Russia has been condemned by France, Germany, and the UK as a direct threat to European security. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine's Foreign Minister summoned the Iranian Charge D'Affaires over reports that Tehran sent ballistic missiles to Russia, a move that would mark a worrying development in the war as the Kremlin has stepped up air attacks on its neighbor.Iran has provided Moscow with hundreds of drones during Russia's 2 1/2-year war against Ukraine, which kill civilians and destroy the country's energy infrastructure.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Daryna KrasnolutskaReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

Russia's budget deficit has decreased due to strong economic growth, which has increased revenue and helped cover the increased spending driven by the war in Ukraine. The deficit for the first eight months of the year was 331 billion rubles ($3.7 billion) or 0.2% of GDP. In August, Russia recorded a budget surplus of 767 billion rubles ($8.5 billion) thanks to increased revenue from non oil-and-gas sectors. Total budget spending in the eight months through August was 23.4 trillion rubles, up 22% from the same period last year. The Finance Ministry expects GDP to expand by 3.9% this year compared to 3.6% in 2023. [Extracted from the article]

Sergei Kiriyenko, the head of a Russian propaganda campaign accused of influencing US elections, started his career as a liberal politician before becoming one of President Vladimir Putin's closest advisers. Kiriyenko oversaw a Kremlin operation to meddle in US elections and spread disinformation online. He participated in meetings where Russian officials discussed promoting Donald Trump's candidacy and undermining support for Ukraine. Kiriyenko has had a long career in Russian politics, including serving as Russia's youngest-ever prime minister in 1998. He later became a valuable technocrat running Russia's state-owned nuclear power company, Rosatom Corp. Kiriyenko was brought back to the Kremlin in 2016 to oversee Putin's campaign for a fourth term and has been involved in mobilizing Russian society to support the war in Ukraine. The US and EU have sanctioned Kiriyenko, and he is responsible for the propaganda operation ANO Dialog, which uses artificial intelligence to boost Russian election-meddling efforts. [Extracted from the article]

According to Bloomberg, it is unclear who Russian President Vladimir Putin prefers between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the upcoming US election. While US intelligence believes Putin wants Trump to win, Putin has made cryptic comments praising both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The Kremlin's latest thinking suggests that they would prefer another Biden term because he is more predictable and easier to read. However, Russia does not have a strong preference for who wins, but they may welcome the ensuing paralysis if Trump were to contest the result. The article also discusses Russia's past interference in US elections and the mixed assessment of how beneficial Trump's presidency was for Moscow. Regardless of the election outcome, it is unlikely that tensions between the US and Russia will improve significantly. Both Harris and Trump have their own challenges and uncertainties when it comes to dealing with Russia. The article concludes by highlighting the Kremlin's intense focus on the US election and the constant updates and reports being generated by Russian officials and spy agencies. [Extracted from the article]

According to Bloomberg, the Kremlin's stance on the upcoming US election is unclear. While US intelligence believes that Vladimir Putin wants Donald Trump to win, Putin has made cryptic comments praising both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The Kremlin's latest thinking suggests that they would prefer another Biden term because he is more predictable and easier to read. However, Russia doesn't have a strong preference for who wins, but they would welcome any outcome that leads to political paralysis in the US. The article also mentions that Russia has been known to meddle in Western democracies through social media, and their methods have become more sophisticated over time. Overall, the assessment of how beneficial Trump's presidency was for Moscow is mixed, as he imposed sanctions on Russia and targeted the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Regardless of who wins, it is unlikely that tensions between the US and Russia will improve, especially with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both Harris and Trump have their own uncertainties when it comes to their approach to the war. The article concludes by stating that the US election is of great importance to the Kremlin, and they closely monitor the forecasts and scenarios under each candidate. [Extracted from the article]

According to Bloomberg, it is unclear who Russian President Vladimir Putin prefers between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the upcoming US election. While US intelligence suggests that Putin wants Trump to win, Putin himself has made cryptic comments praising both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The Kremlin's latest thinking is that there isn't much reason to celebrate if Trump returns to the White House, as a Biden presidency would be more predictable and potentially easier to work with on issues like ending Russia's war on Ukraine. Russia has been known to meddle in Western democracies through social media, and while there is no love lost for Harris, the assessment of how beneficial Trump's four years were for Moscow is mixed. Regardless of who wins, the tensions between the US and Russia are unlikely to improve significantly. [Extracted from the article]

Sergei Kiriyenko, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was involved in a Kremlin operation to interfere in US elections and spread disinformation online, according to court documents. Kiriyenko participated in meetings where Russian officials discussed promoting Donald Trump's candidacy and undermining support for Ukraine. The operation, known as "Doppelganger," used fake news presented as content from trusted sources. Kiriyenko, who was once a liberal politician, has had a long career in Russian politics and was previously the head of Rosatom Corp., Russia's state-owned nuclear power company. He has been sanctioned by the US and EU and is responsible for overseeing ANO Dialog, an organization that uses artificial intelligence to boost Russian election-meddling efforts. [Extracted from the article]