Contents tagged with Kremlin
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Russia's hidden financial crisis: military spending pushing economy to the brink
Amidst an aura of apparent stability lies a significant financial crisis in the Russian economy, largely driven by massive military expenditures, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reports.
As the war with Ukraine continues, along with an increase in the military budget to 8% of GDP, Russia's official state deficit in 2024 hit just 1.9%. However, the newspaper notes this figure conceals a sharp rise in corporate debt, fuelled through commercial banks under Kremlin directives.
Since the …
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Russia's diplomatic blunders: downing of Azerbaijani passenger plane deepens Kremlin's isolation
In a striking example of the Kremlin's unfolding foreign policy, Russia finds itself increasingly surrounded by hostile states, even alienating those who once sought dialogue.
The self-styled "grand" strategy continues to baffle observers, as nations that were once neutral or friendly turn away, driven by its own diplomatic blunders. The latest episode sees a dramatic downturn in relations with Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev, demanding acknowledgment and apologies for a downed Azerbaijani …
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Russia rejects ceasefire talks with Ukraine, demands legal guarantees amid diplomatic standoff
Russia has firmly dismissed the notion of a ceasefire with Ukraine, labeling it a "road to nowhere". Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has critiqued Western discussions around a ceasefire, arguing that they serve only to "pump Ukraine with weapons" rather than foster genuine peace talks. Lavrov asserts that Russia requires concrete agreements, distinctly separating themselves from what he describes as "empty talks."
At a recent press conference in Moscow, Lavrov reiterated Russia's …
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Former Russian executives sentenced in secret bunker embezzlement case
In a high-stakes case involving allegations of corruption and fraud, the Second Western District Military Court has announced sentences for those implicated in the embezzlement scandal surrounding secret underground bunker construction for the Ministry of Defense. According to TASS, former deputy director of LLC "Atlas," Dmitry Pipko, and former general director of LLC "M-Stroy," Andrey Epifantsev, received sentences of seven years and three years in a general regime penal colony, with fines of …
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Kremlin: Russia dismisses truce with Ukraine, open to peace talks under Moscow's conditions
In a recent briefing held on Friday, December 13, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the possibility of a truce with Ukraine, acknowledging for the first time that European troops might be deployed in Ukraine. According to Peskov, Russia is seeking not just a ceasefire, but peace that will follow the fulfillment of all Moscow's conditions.
When asked about the idea of sending a European contingent to Ukraine to uphold a potential ceasefire, Peskov stated, "All of this can and should …
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Russia considers declaring Santa Claus ‘a foreign agent’ to protect traditional values
In a move that could see Santa Claus banned in Russia, the beloved Christmas figure is being criticized for allegedly undermining "traditional Russian values." Vitaly Borodin, head of the Federal Project on Security and Anti-Corruption, has filed a request with the Russian Prosecutor General's Office to classify the Santa Claus brand as a foreign agent, according to a report by Shot.
Borodin argues that the image of Santa Claus is being used by several foreign companies, including Father …
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Kremlin condemns new $725 million U.S. military aid package for Ukraine, accuses Washington of escalating conflict
The Kremlin has expressed outrage over the new U.S. defense package for Ukraine, which will include Stinger missiles, HIMARS ammunition, drones, and anti-personnel mines, according to reports.
The decision by the U.S. to send an additional $725 million in military aid to Ukraine signifies the Biden administration’s intent to "fuel the flames" of the conflict, the Kremlin stated.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that the aid package would feature Stinger missiles, …
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Kremlin directs Russian officials to frame war's conclusion as a 'victory'
According to sources from Russian media, the Kremlin has instructed regional officials to brace for the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine war and to promote a specific "image of victory" among the populace.
In preparation for the war's end, Russian regional officials are reportedly being briefed by the presidential administration. During a seminar for deputy governors hosted by Vladimir Putin's administration in the Senezh Management Workshop near Moscow from November 27 to 30, discussions …
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Putin approves historic budget boost in military spending for 2025-2027
Russian president Vladimir Putin has signed the decree on the state budget for the 2025-2027 period, marking a historic increase in military spending. The document, published Sunday, December 1, on the legal information portal, highlights an unprecedented rise in defense allocations in modern Russia.
In 2025, the expenditure under the "National Defense" category is projected to reach 13.5 trillion rubles ($130 billion), or 6.31% of Russia's GDP and 41% of the country's total expenses. This …
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Kremlin warns of escalation as US authorizes long-range missile strikes into Russia
In a move generating sharp international reactions, the United States has reportedly authorized Ukraine to conduct long-range ATACMS missile strikes into Russian territory. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, this decision spearheads a "new level of tension" in the ongoing conflict. Peskov's remarks, broadcasted through by RIA Novosti, highlight that Moscow's stance on American long-range missiles striking inside Russia was firmly stated by President Vladimir Putin back in …
