News - RUSSIA'S PIVOT TO ASIA

September 5, 2026

What Russia Gained From The 2026 SCO Summit: Results & Analysis

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation annual Heads of State summit has now ended, with a major emphasis on trade development. We provide a deep-dive analysis on the 29 agreements signed, including in the security, AI, energy, environment, trade, tourism, diplomatic relations and the SCO’s institutional development sectors. With the SCO possessing nearly a third of global GDP and 50% of the world’s population, this report will be of significant interest to anyone involved in Eurasian affairs.

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September 4, 2026

Sberbank Launches Cross-Border Crypto Payments System

Russia’s Sberbank has launched an overseas crypto payment scheme for its corporate clients conducting international trade and investment. The Russian Central Bank authorised the method from September 1 with the mechanism likely to be a considerable game changer in global trade flows.

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September 4, 2026

Russia’s FESCO Transport Sets Up Representative Office In Jakarta

Russia’s FESCO Transportation have opened a Representative Office in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital and its largest port. A Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement came into effect from December last year, with the immediate result being a 22% increase in bilateral trade volumes in 2026 year to date.

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September 4, 2026

VTB Launches QR Code Payments System In Indonesia and The Philippines

Russia’s VTB bank has launched its QR code payment service to Indonesia and the Philippines. Both are increasingly popular with Russian tourists, with the system avoiding Western payment mechanisms with direct debit from Russian clients’ ruble bank accounts at the prevailing exchange rate from the relevant local store in rupiah or pesos. There is no commission on the transaction.

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September 4, 2026

Aeroflot Buys In-Flight Catering Business From Lufthansa

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.

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September 3, 2026

Russia-Kazakhstan Presidential Meetings: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Kazakh Presidentshave met in Bishkek to discuss bilateral cooperation. Trade volumes have jumped 15% this year to date and if maintained will reach the US$30 billion goal the two Presidents agreed upon in 2024, well ahead of schedule.

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September 3, 2026

Russia, Tajikistan Presidential Meetings: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Tajikistan Presidents have met in Bishkek to discuss bilateral relations and regional security. Trade has been growing at 25% per annum and is at record levels, Tajikistan is also considering nuclear power options as it looks to diversify its energy mix.

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September 3, 2026

Russia, Uzbekistan Presidential Meetings: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Uzbekistan Presidents have met in Bishkek. We summarise the latest trade and investment data as bilateral trade grew by 8.4% last year. Uzbekistan recently became a BRICS Partner State.

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September 3, 2026

How Will the EAEU Answer the “Armenian Question”?

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.

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September 2, 2026

Russia, Mongolia Presidential Meetings: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Mongolian Presidents have met in Bishkek, with multiple projects underway between the two countries. These include nuclear power, rail connectivity, a free trade agreement, and the building of a new capital city. Mongolia’s unique position between Russia and China is about to pay dividends.

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September 2, 2026

Russia, Turkiye Presidential Meetings: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Turkish Presidents have met in Bishkek, with central discussions focussing on nuclear energy, tourism and the agricultural sectors. We examine these and look at the threat of secondary sanctions hanging over Ankara despite Turkiye being a member of NATO.

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September 2, 2026

Russia-Iran Presidential Meetings: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Iranian Presidents have met in Bishkek to discuss issues concerning conflicts with the United States, security, rail connectivity, economic development, finance and trade. We examine the issues at hand and what potentially lies ahead in terms of diplomatic meetings to resolve issues.

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