Despite European media stating the contrary, the Russian economy and foreign trade data improved during January-May 2026. We examine the data, look at the underlying reasons and provide the hard evidence that support the Russian statistics.
INNOPROM Russia has just concluded, showcasing the best of Russian innovation and technical expertise. With billions of dollars of agreements signed, it marks a strategic shift to exporting technologies as opposed to commodities.
Russia’s Sberbank has announced the launch of a 40 million outlet QR code payment system operational throughout Indonesia. The two countries have a Free Trade Agreement while destinations such as Bali are very popular with Russian tourists. The QR code system renders payment mechanisms such as SWIFT essentially obsolete.
India is to spend US$7.85 billion on upgrading its Russian-sourced military equipment, including tanks and related vehicles. Some of this is already made in India under licence from Russia.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has met with Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Édouard Bizimana. Discussions focused on nuclear energy projects, as well as education and trade development. Burundi is also currently the Chair of the African Union.
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We examine the reality behind Russia’s energy shortages, the impact of Ukrainian attacks on its facilities, and how Russia’s logistics and production is changing to adapt to the short-term problems these have created. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the Russian domestic, import and export oil & gas sectors.
Moscow’s trade representative to India, Zlata Antusheva, has said that India and Russia must de-dollarize to boost bilateral trade as the countries roll out mechanisms to achieve the targeted US$100 billion in mutual trade by 2030.
With Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant nearing completion, Cairo has opened discussions with Rosatom over additional NPP construction including the possibility of floating plants to be sited on the Red Sea.
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has met with the leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States in Niamey, Mali, to discuss regional security amongst allegedly European backed Islamic insurgents involving French and Ukrainian militia.
Both sides are prioritzing diplomatic, political and strategic security enhancement across the Sahel region: Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger. The moves have the potential to permanently influence Africa’s political development.
Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, has met with Abdoulaye Diop, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Mali, to discuss bilateral trade and investment. The two sides are actively engaged in nuclear and solar power projects, mining, and the agricultural sectors.
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has met with Abdourahamane Tchiani, the President of the Niger, and Foreign Minister Bakary Samgare. The two sides discussed trade and investment cooperation in nuclear energy, mining, infrastructure and agriculture in addition to security matters.
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