Tag: Slider
NEWSLINK: “Ramzan Kadyrov, the Putin of Chechnya. Putin’s Dragon. Is the ruler of Chechnya out of control?” – The New Yorker/Joshua Yaffa
RUSSIA & UKRAINE – Johnson’s Russia List table of contents :: JRL 2016-23 :: Tuesday, 2 February 2016
[check back for updates, including article links; links also posted to facebook and twitter] Johnson’s Russia List :: JRL 2016-#23 Tuesday 2 February 2016 A project sponsored through the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs The contents do not necessarily represent the views of IERES or the George Washington University. JRL homepage: russialist.org – JRL […]
» Read moreVirtual Stalinism
(RFE/RL – rferl.org – Brian Whitmore – February 2, 2016) Russian officials seem to have developed an execution fetish of late. One example, of course, is the disturbing video Ramzan Kadyrov posted on Instagram showing opposition figures Mikhail Kasyanov and Vladimir Kara-Murza in the crosshairs of a sniper’s rifle. Another is the bizarre series of animated clips Vladimir Putin’s All-Russian […]
» Read moreInterfax: DPR militiamen accuse Kyiv of over 100 shellings over past day
DONETSK. Feb 2 (Interfax) – The Defense Ministry of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) said that the Ukrainian military have breached the ceasefire 28 times over the past day; two people were wounded. “The situation on the contact line has not changed over the past day. The Ukrainian army has shelled the territory of the republic 109 times as […]
» Read moreWhat do the U.S. presidential candidates think about Russia?
On Feb. 1 the first important stage of the selection of presidential candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties – the Iowa Caucus – was held in Iowa. The subject of relations with Moscow is a key geopolitical trump for participants in the U.S. election race, with even those who are not too savvy in international politics making their position […]
» Read moreIs liberalism the future for Russia?
For years, ‘liberal’ has been a dirty word in Russia, a shorthand for everything undesirable. Yet state propaganda is having an unexpected side-effect: the rehabilitation of liberalism. (opendemocracy.net/Colta.ru – Andrei Arkhangelsky – February 2, 2016) Andrei Arkhangelsky is a Russian journalist, essayist and scholar of cultural studies. He is also cultural editor for Ogonyok and researches contemporary Russian media. According […]
» Read morePeskov on Kasyanov’s plans to await president’s response to threats from Kadyrov: “This is his right”
MOSCOW. Feb 2 (Interfax) – The Kremlin has said that PARNAS opposition party leader, Mikhail Kasyanov, has a right to expect a response from the Russian president, as the guarantor of the constitution, to Chechen head Ramzan Kadyrov’s Instagram publication with threats toward the non-systemic opposition and Kasyanov personally. “This is his right,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on […]
» Read moreOil prices could reach $40 a barrel if Russia made deal with OPEC
Analysts say that if Russia reduces its oil production by 5 percent, black gold prices may increase to $40 a barrel and over. However, the Russian government admits that it has no real control over production policy in private companies, though firms may reduce production themselves due to the fall in hydrocarbon prices. (Russia Beyond the Headlines – rbth.ru – […]
» Read moreKremlin: Privatization of Russian companies open for foreign investors
(Interfax – February 2, 2016) Privatization of Russian companies is open for foreign investors, and Russia is interested in attracting new foreign partners, the Kremlin has said. “Russia has always been interested in foreign investors; we value cooperation with those who continue to operate on the Russian market and we are interested in an inflow of fresh investments,” Kremlin press […]
» Read morePutin Says No Privatization at Knockdown Prices
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – February 2, 2016) President Vladimir Putin on Monday threw cold water on proposals to quickly sell stakes in state companies to fill holes in Russia’s budget. “There should be no sale of shares cheaply, at giveaway prices. This won’t bring particular benefit to the budget,” Putin said at a meeting with officials and heads of […]
» Read moreTRANSCRIPT: [Putin at] Meeting on privatisation
(Kremlin.ru – February 1, 2016) Vladimir Putin held a meeting to discuss privatisation issues. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues. We have met today to discuss the Government’s privatisation plans for 2016. I have just looked over a few issues with [Prime Minister] Mr Medvedev. The privatisation process plays an important part in changing the Russian economy’s structure […]
» Read moreEconomic Minister says moderate economic growth possible in Russia in 2016
(Interfax – February 2, 2016) Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev does not rule out the possibility of the Russian economy shifting to moderate growth in 2016. “A shift is already possible this year, perhaps, to moderate, recovery growth in the economy for the time being. We should be prepared for this,” Ulyukayev said at a ministry meeting on Feb. 2. […]
» Read moreInflation Is Most Worrying Problem for Russians – Poll
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – February 2, 2016) The number of Russians that consider high inflation one of the country’s biggest problems increased sharply in January, a survey by state-run pollster VTsIOM revealed Tuesday. Twelve percent of Russians were concerned about rising prices in December, but in January that number jumped to 20 percent, according to the poll. Other problems […]
» Read moreRussians put economy, inflation on top of most pressing national problems
(Interfax – February 2, 2016) The economy, inflation, and low living standards have been viewed by the public as the top three most pressing problems in Russia, for the past six months, the Russian Public Opinion Study Center (VTsIOM) has said. The economy was the number one problem in the January rating. Concerns about economic affairs started growing in November […]
» Read moreNEWSLINK ReadRussia/Mark Galeotti: “Why the Litvinenko Enquiry Was Not a ‘Farce'”
NEWSLINK: “Why Ukraine Must Outsource Its Fight Against Corruption. Kiev is losing the fight against corruption. It’s time for a radical cure.” – Foreign Policy/Josh Cohen
NEWSLINK Kyiv Post/Alexei Bayer: “Ukraine may be running out of time”
NEWSLINK: “Fighting for Iowa Voters, Bernie Sanders Leads in Yaroslavl. Soviet Union trip in 1988 created small but ardent Russian outpost of Bernie Sanders fans.” – Wall Street Journal
NEWSLINK UNIAN (Kyiv): “Government’s report: economy down 10.4% in 2015”
NEWSLINK: “Russia’s crisis produces a paradox: surging luxury car sales” – Reuters
NEWSLINK: “Maidan: A Tale of Two Movies. One is in the running for an Oscar, another, very different take aired on French television despite Kyiv’s objections.” – Transitions Online
NEWSLINK: “Replacement of technocratic ministers by politicians in Ukrainian govt would be mistake [U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt]” – Interfax-Ukraine
NEWSLINK: “Russia Ready to Discuss Oil Production. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says country is prepared to meet world’s top oil producers.” – Wall Street Journal
NEWSLINK: “Eastern Europe Cautiously Welcomes Larger U.S. Military Presence” – New York Times
Just How Bad is Putin? Ever More People Are Counting the Ways
(Paul Goble – Window on Eurasia – Staunton, January 31, 2016) As the number of Vladimir Putin’s violations of international law and normal morality grows, ever more people are offering lists of the actions for which he must be held accountable. Three particularly interesting examples of that trend have been offered over the last several days. Russian journalist Oleg Kashin […]
» Read moreHalf of Russians don’t trust conclusions made by British in Litvinenko case
(Interfax – January 31, 2016) Over half of Russians (53%) believe the London court had no real grounds to accuse Russian officials of involvement in the death of former Federal Security Service official Alexander Litvinenko, Levada Center has reported. The poll, which surveys 1,600 respondents, was conducted in 137 populated areas of 48 regions of Russia on Jan. 22-25. The […]
» Read moreRussia’s Yabloko Party Turns Down Offer to Merge With PARNAS
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – February 1, 2016) Russian liberal opposition party Yabloko has turned down a proposal from the PARNAS opposition party that they merge to compile a single list of State Duma election candidates, the Kommersant newspaper reported Monday. “It was suggested that we include our candidates on the PARNAS list. They actually suggested we liquidate our party, […]
» Read moreHas the crisis driven back corruption in Russia?
The British television channel BBC One has reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s personal fortune totals $40 billion. At the same time, Putin himself has ordered officials to act “tough” in returning everything stolen and taken out of Russia. Could the economic crisis lead to a reduction in corruption in the country? (Russia Beyond the Headlines – rbth.ru – YEKATERINA […]
» Read moreRussians do not want authorities to have access to non-public personal data
(Interfax – January 31, 2016) Most respondents surveyed by the Public Opinion Foundation (58%) believe the state should not have access to non-public personal data and people’s correspondence on social networking sites and via email, while 24% believe it violates human rights and 22% believe it constitutes privacy invasion and is not ethical. The poll, which surveys 1,000 respondents who […]
» Read moreEver more Russians are at risk of repression as Putin’s Russia heads toward totalitarianism
(Paul Goble – Window on Eurasia – January 27, 2016) There is an old observation that in a democracy, anything that isn’t prohibited is permitted; in an authoritarian system, anything that isn’t permitted is prohibited; and in a totalitarian one, anything that is permitted is compulsory and any failure to go along can result in arrest or worse. Judging from […]
» Read moreAs Ruble Nosedives, Russians Are Priced Out Of Live-Saving Western Treatment
(RFE/RL – rferl.org – Claire Bigg – February 1, 2016) As the ruble continues its catastrophic tumble, hitting another historic low last month, the pain is being felt keenly across Russia. Among those worst hit are patients in need of urgent surgery abroad or other life-saving treatment billed in foreign currencies. “It all started with a bad cough and a […]
» Read moreFour Russias: the new political reality
Uneven modernisation has left its mark on Russia, and the authorities are only too happy to exploit it. What does the future hold for Russia’s regional divide? (opendemocracy.net/American Enterprise Institute – Natalia Zubarevich – February 1, 2016) Natalia Zubarevich is a professor in the Department of Geography at Moscow State University and the director of the regional program at the […]
» Read moreRUSSIA & UKRAINE – Johnson’s Russia List table of contents :: JRL 2016-22 :: Monday, 1 February 2016
[check back for updates, including article links; links also posted to facebook and twitter] Johnson’s Russia List :: JRL 2016-#22 Monday 1 February 2016 A project sponsored through the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs The contents do not necessarily represent the views of IERES or the George Washington University. JRL homepage: russialist.org – JRL […]
» Read moreNEWSLINK: “Russian Central Bank Keeps Rates on Hold, Warns On Inflation Risk.” – Wall Street Journal
RUSSIA & UKRAINE – Johnson’s Russia List :: JRL 2016-21 :: Friday, 29 January 2016
[check back for updates, including more links; links also posted to facebook and twitter] Johnson’s Russia List :: JRL 2016-#21 Friday 29 January 2016 A project sponsored through the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs The contents do not necessarily represent the views of IERES or the George Washington University. JRL homepage: russialist.org – JRL […]
» Read moreFukuyama: ‘Putinism,’ Radical Islam No Alternative To Liberal Democracy
(RFE/RL – January 29, 2016) Russian President Vladimir Putin and the extremist Islamic State group are sworn enemies that might seem to have little in common. But both are engaged in efforts at state building that U.S. political scientist Francis Fukuyama says share two qualities: each seeks to create a political alternative to a modern liberal democracy, and each is […]
» Read moreWho benefits and who loses from revocation of anti-Iranian sanctions
If Moscow plays its cards correctly, it will be able to strengthen its positions not only in Iran but also throughout the entire Middle East. (Russia Beyond the Headlines – rbth.ru – GEVORG MIRZAYAN – January 29, 2016) The lifting of sanctions against Iran has generated an entire wave of speculation about the upcoming reformation of the Middle East. However, […]
» Read moreThe Upside of a Down Ruble
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Peter Hobson – January 29, 2016) President Vladimir Putin chose an unfortunate time to trumpet the “additional opportunities” for Russian companies arising from a weaker ruble. As he spoke to delegates at a business forum on Jan. 20, the Russian currency was gyrating wildly. The next day it plummeted to its lowest level in recent […]
» Read moreInterfax: Putin has not yet decided whether he will run for president in 2018 – Peskov
MOSCOW. Jan 29 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has not decided yet whether he will run for president in 2018, his press officer Dmitry Peskov said. The question as to whether Putin will nominate his candidacy in the upcoming elections arose in connection with the statements about the Russian president made by a White House official, who accused the […]
» Read moreTranscript of Ambassador Tefft’s Interview with Russian Wire Services
(US Embassy Moscow – January 28, 2016) Ambassador John F. Tefft: I thought I’d start and say a couple of words, and then I’d take your questions to focus on what you want to talk about. I was back in Washington for a few weeks to see my children and my grandchildren. Like a good grandfather, I should be going […]
» Read moreRussia Sanctions Can Be Lifted If Minsk Implemented – U.S. Ambassador
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – January 29, 2016) Sanctions against Moscow can be lifted after it implements the Minsk peace agreement with Ukraine, including restoration of Kiev control over separatist eastern regions, the U.S. Ambassador in Moscow John Tefft said in an interview published on the U.S. Embassy’s website Thursday. Washington has the full backing of its European allies in […]
» Read moreNEWSLINK: “130 Years Ago: ‘War and Peace’ Finally Published in English” – New York Times
NEWSLINK: “All the Russian Words You Need to Discuss the Litvinenko Inquiry” – Moscow Times/Michele Berdy
RUSSIA & UKRAINE – Johnson’s Russia List :: JRL 2016-20 :: Thursday, 28 January 2016
[check back for updates, including more links; links also posted to facebook and twitter] Johnson’s Russia List :: JRL 2016-#20 Thursday 28 January 2016 A project sponsored through the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs The contents do not necessarily represent the views of IERES or the George Washington University. JRL homepage: russialist.org – JRL […]
» Read moreChechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Losing Popularity Among Russians – Poll
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – January 27, 2016) Ramzan Kadyrov is losing support among ordinary Russians, a new poll published Thursday showed, amid increasing concern that his aggressive response toward those who question his authority might spill outside Chechnya’s borders. Asked by the independent Levada Center pollster what they thought of Kadyrov, 17 percent of respondents said they felt “respect” […]
» Read moreRussia Improves Position in International Corruption Rating
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – January 27, 2016) Russia was ranked 119th – together with Azerbaijan, Guyana and Sierra Leone – in Transparency International’s 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index, up 17 points from its 2014 position. The rating was published on Transparency International’s website. In the 2014 index, Russia was ranked 136th, just behind Nigeria. Russia was 127th in 2013 and […]
» Read moreSweden delivers judgment in favor of Russia in dispute with Yukos holders
(Interfax – January 28, 2016) A Swedish appeals court upheld Russia’s appeal filed earlier in its dispute with the Spanish investment funds, which were holders of American Depositary Receipts (‘ADRs’) of Yukos, Kommersant newspaper reported on Jan. 28. The appeals court acknowledged the fact that the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce that sustained the funds’ claims to […]
» Read moreRBTH: Investors could benefit from Russia’s economic turmoil
As the Russian economy hits hard times, with business incomes falling, government spending facing cuts and the ruble losing value, RBTH spoke to Sergei Katyrin, president of Russia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to find out how foreign companies are enduring the current “perfect storm” for business. (Russia Beyond the Headlines – rbth.ru – ILYA KROL, RBTH – January 28, […]
» Read moreFewer Russians Think Country Is on the Right Track – Poll
(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – January 27, 2016) The number of Russians who think their country is on the right track has shrunk to 45 percent of the population – the lowest in more than a year – and President Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings have dipped for the first time in many months, a poll released Wednesday by the independent […]
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