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Primorye Debacle, Tragicomic “Spygate,” Syria Deal

Russian media-roundup, September 15-21, 2018

Details: 21 September 2018

In this week’s roundup, the runoff election in the Primorye region ended in an unprecedented rigging of the vote in favor of the Kremlin candidate and later in a no less unprecedented cancelling of the election results. Another story that played out was the follow-up of RT’s controversial interview with two Russians accused of the Salisbury attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Finally, the downing of another Russian plane in Syria created tensions between Moscow and Tel-Aviv.

Details: Media Must-Reads

Russian Electoral Results, Zolotov vs. Navalny, Ruble’s Troubles

Russian media roundup, September 8-14, 2018

Details: 14 September 2018

In this week’s roundup, political experts and sociologists analyze the September 9 elections in Russia where the Kremlin candidates showed underwhelming results. Another big story that shook the liberal corner of Russian society was the video message released by the head of the Russian National Guard Viktor Zolotov threatening oppositionist Alexei Navalny. Finally, the ruble volatility has been especially noticeable this week as the new U.S. sanctions loom large.

Details: Media Must-Reads

September 9 Elections, Pension Protest Potential, Zakharchenko’s Death

Russian media roundup, September 1-7, 2018

Details: 07 September 2018

In this week’s roundup: a series of local, regional and other elections scheduled to take place on September 9 in Russia is expected to have a low turnout and a decreased rating for the “party of power.” Another story is Vladimir Putin’s decision to soften the controversial pension reform, which was announced in a national televised presidential address. Finally, the assassination of Alexander Zakharchencko, leader of the DNR, triggered a new wave of discussions about the future of the Donbass conflict.

Details: Media Must-Reads

New Macroregions, “Voluntary” Investment, September Elections

Russian media roundup, August 25-31, 2018

Details: 31 August 2018

In this week’s roundup: one of the somewhat overlooked developments this week was an idea, introduced by the Economic Ministry, to divide Russia into 14 macroregions. Some experts view it as a precursor to potential constitutional reform. In the follow-up discussion of the presidential aide’s controversial proposal to seize corporate “superprofits,” the government reframed the idea as “voluntary investment.” Finally, the Moscow election campaign has hit the home stretch, with the incumbent mayor promising Moscovites all kinds of perks.

Details: Media Must-Reads

20 years of Russian Default, A Plan to Seize “Superprofits,” What Russia Is Doing in Africa

Russian media roundup, August 18-24, 2018

Details: 24 August 2018

Last weekend marked the 20th anniversary of one of the key events that shaped Russian modern history—the 1998 financial crisis and the government’s default. Another major discussion in the Russian political discourse this week revolved around a proposal by Putin’s economic aide to “seize” over 500 billion rubles from industrial companies to relieve the country’s tax burden. Finally, Russian experts try to explain the Kremlin’s expansion into Africa.

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