By Michael Hudson A nightmare scenario of U.S. geopolitical strategists is coming true: foreign independence from U.S.-centered financial and diplomatic control. China and Russia are investing in neighboring economies on terms that cement Eurasian integration on the basis of financing in their own currencies and favoring their own exports. They also have created the Shanghai Cooperation … Continue reading
Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference on Thursday with Russian and international journalists in Moscow. The 3 hour and 10 minute press conference was broadcast live by Rossiya-1, Rossiya-24 and Channel One, as well as Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii radio stations. The following is a transcript of the press conference, courtesy of the Kremlin. President of Russia Vladimir … Continue reading
By Pepe Escobar Let’s start with some classic Russian politics. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov is drawing up Russia’s economic strategy for 2016, including the government budget. Siluanov – essentially a liberal, in favor of foreign investment – will present his proposals to the Kremlin by the end of this month. So far, nothing spectacular. But then, … Continue reading
By Ante Batovic As oil prices continue to go south and emerging markets remain in turmoil, Russia is struggling to keep its sanction-affected economy floating. For years, the Russian economy enjoyed stable growth rates supported by high commodity prices – oil and gas, in particular. Everything changed in 2014, when a combination of Western sanctions … Continue reading
By Michael Snyder Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced legislation that would deal a tremendous blow to the U.S. dollar. If Putin gets his way, and he almost certainly will, the U.S. dollar will be eliminated from trade between nations that belong to the Commonwealth of Independent States. In addition to Russia, that list of … Continue reading
By Zachary Fillingham Supply-side downward price pressure has been the story of global energy prices over the past year: newfound supply from the Shale Revolution, OPEC’s gambit of market-share grabbing inundation, and new supply coming online from Iraq and soon Iran. The result was a plunge in oil prices from $115 in mid-June 2014 to below … Continue reading
By Daniel Schearf Russia’s auto industry appears to be in reverse along with the contracting economy and sliding ruble. At the opening of the International Moscow Automotive Forum this week, a Russian business association representative spoke openly about the crisis facing industry leaders, his concern echoing industry insiders who say the country relies too heavily on … Continue reading
Vladimir Putin met with Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina to discuss the banking sector’s work over the first half of 2015. By The Kremlin Ms Nabiullina also spoke about progress on establishing the national payment system and national rating agency. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ms Nabiullina, the Central Bank is doing a lot to strengthen the national currency, or at least, to keep it stable and maintain … Continue reading
The persistent decline in oil prices that keeps pressure on the Russian ruble will further deepen the recession of the Russian economy, Moody’s reports. According to the rating agency the Russian economy is in a recession and if the current macroeconomic and geopolitical situation doesn’t change soon, especially with respect of oil prices and the country’s … Continue reading
Russia is now likely in recession with GDP growth expected to decline 3.4 percent this year, says the IMF in its annual economic assessment. Mission Chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, explains how Russia’s economic woes are largely due to the dramatic drop in oil prices, and sanctions in response to developments in Crimea and Ukraine. Ernesto … Continue reading