Russia’s relationships with Europe vary from warm, with trade partners such as Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia, to the frigid (most of the European Union and the UK). In between are lesser discussed regions in the Balkans with closer historical ties to Moscow than to Brussels. We examine some of these borderline areas and provide analysis and updates where appropriate along the Russia-European axis.
The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, the governing body for the Eurasian Economic Union, has compiled a report on Armenia’s potential departure from the bloc and moves to join the European Union. A decision whether to suspend Armenia from the EAEU will be made in December. We examine what the report states, the likely economic impact of an Armenian suspension, and what happens next.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has held an intensive Q&A session at the recent Valdai Club event in Moscow. He covered multiple issues including the differences between the collapse of the USSR and the current situation within Russia, Kaliningrad, the use of nuclear weapons, NATO, the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, Russian prior attempts to integrate into Europe, the international maritime rule of law, Iran, the development of the Donbass, China, differences between Russia and Chinese culture, Japan, President Trump, Serbia, India, nuclear proliferation, Italy, the European Union, EU asset returns, a new Iron Curtain, Palestine, BRICS, APEC, Israel, Artificial Intelligence, UN reform, the Northern Sea Route, the Russian economy, Russia-Africa relations, Switzerland, Ukraine, updates on the Ukraine conflict and the potential for movement into a new political direction. It is essential reading for anyone interested in Russia’s global views on Russian and international affairs.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov has held 50 meetings while attending the United Nations in New York. We examine each of these, including important discussions with the United States, and Germany and look at the significance of Russia’s expanding international diplomacy and what this means in terms of foreign policy developments and potential outcomes.
Russia’s trade with the Global South and ‘friendly’ countries now accounts for 85% of its total, reaching about US$299 billion in H1 2026. The West provides just 15% of Russia’s economic trade and continues to decline. We examine the main Global South trade partners in all regions, and provide the latest H1 2026 trade data. There are some surprising results for those who assume Russia only trades oil with China and India. The non-energy sector on a worldwide basis is increasingly dominant as Global South trade volumes continue a Russian growth trajectory.
Russia’s Promomed biopharmaceutical company has received approval from the Kazakh Ministry of Health to supply Tirzetta, a drug used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus and obesity. It is also commonly marketed as a ‘beauty’ weight loss medication. According to the WHO, 56% of Kazakhstan’s adult population are overweight.
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Russia’s LNG storage is on track to be at 100% capacity to meet this winter’s demand, while the EU has fallen short of its storage targets. However, although the EU is unlikely to face energy cuts, other suppliers are taking advantage of the EU’s political position. The cost of natural gas in the European Union when compared to Russia is currently 976% more expensive.
Russia’s 2026 wheat harvest has already produced enough for its domestic consumption, and it will concentrate the remaining crop harvest for its huge export markets. In contrast, the European Union now imports wheat from North America at 2.5 times the price of Russian wheat. A key part of Russia’s pivot to Asia strategy is a pivot to self-sufficiency – ensuring that its domestic production is in good health prior to engaging in exports of critical consumer products.
Russia has achieved self-sufficiency in its apple production, as it has turned away from its previous European Union supply chains to wholly domestic reliance. Russia has achieved this by planting 113,700 hectares of apple orchards over the past five years. In contrast, the EU’s own apple crop has been diminishing due to climate change and its own agriculture policies.
Aeroflot have purchased the 49% stake in Russia’s largest in-flight catering company, Aeromar, from Germany’s Lufthansa. The deal is noteworthy as Aeroflot is sanctioned, while Aeromar’s recent performance saw it make losses. Aeroflot will be expected to turn the business around and back into profitability under all Russian investment and management. Aeroflot’s international passenger flight capacity increased by 8.9% in Q1 this year.
Armenia is poised to hold a referendum about joining the European Union. In this article we look at its relationship and trade with the Eurasian Economic Union and the practical issues Armenia needs to take before making a choice.
The Russian and Belarus Presidents have met this past weekend in Moscow, with Putin saying that 2026 bilateral trade has increased by 12.5%. We examine their trade and investment data and look at growth sectors and where the opportunities are.
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