-
Russian coal export crisis: Economic decline and social instability loom
The Russian economy is facing a rapid decline, as coal exports—one of the last pillars of the Kremlin's natural resource budget—plummeted by tens of percent in March. The economic collapse in Russia's coal industry is becoming increasingly apparent, with statistics from March revealing the catastrophic scale of the export drop. According to the Institute of Energy and Finance, coal shipments via major ports have significantly decreased, down 30% at Ust-Luga and 21% at Nakhodka and Vostochny …
-
Ukraine reports record Russian losses in artillery and armored vehicles in March 2025
March 2025 saw a significant increase in losses for the Russian military, including record highs in artillery and armored vehicle losses since the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On April 1, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense released General Staff data indicating that Russian army personnel losses grew by 4,590 more in March compared to February.
The total irreversible and sanitary loss for the Russian forces in March reached 41,160 personnel, compared to 36,570 in February. …
-
Potential Trump-Putin deal on Nord Stream 2 raises concerns in Berlin
Reports are surfacing of behind-the-scenes negotiations between the Americans and Russians discussing the potential reactivation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as part of a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed this development, hinting at an opportunity for American investors to acquire and utilize Nord Stream 2 to send Russian gas, previously purchased, back into Europe.
“A good development, not a bad one,” said one acquaintance, suggesting that …
-
Russian tank fleet dwindles as production and repair lag
Russia is grappling with a significant problem on the front lines as Ukraine claims a crucial victory in the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian military has reportedly decimated nearly the entire Russian tank fleet over the past three years, leading to severe challenges for the Russian armed forces. The Russian army is experiencing a dire shortage of military equipment, as its tank reserves are dwindling, and the pace of production and repair efforts can't keep up with battlefield losses. This …
-
Cypriot authorities and FBI team up for new investigations into Russian sanctions evasion
Cypriot police are set to initiate new probes targeting Russian nationals for alleged evasion of U.S. and EU sanctions, with pivotal support from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A specialized task force, including FBI experts, recently wrapped up a nine-month assignment on the Mediterranean island. Their collaborative efforts with Cypriot police and government agencies led to the identification of Russian nationals and other offenders defying sanctions imposed by the U.S. and …