Russia

November 21, 2012

Magnitsky List: Quibbles & Threats

The Magnitsky List is causing consternation in Russia, predominantly because it is seen as an affront to the independence and sovereignty of a Kremlin that does not like to be told what to do.  But the fine print of the bill is also cause for conc...
November 21, 2012

Magnitsky List: Quibbles & Threats

The Magnitsky List is causing consternation in Russia, predominantly because it is seen as an affront to the independence and sovereignty of a Kremlin that does not like to be told what to do.  But the fine print of the bill is also cause for conc...
November 20, 2012

RA’s Daily Russia News Blast – Nov 20, 2012

TODAY: Russia clashes with U.S. over Israel, calls for end to attacks; Soyuz space capsule lands safely; rights leaders promise to boycott foreign agent law; Bout List in retaliation for Magnitsky List? Pussy Riot lawyers leave their clients; Puti...
November 20, 2012

RA’s Daily Russia News Blast – Nov 20, 2012

TODAY: Russia clashes with U.S. over Israel, calls for end to attacks; Soyuz space capsule lands safely; rights leaders promise to boycott foreign agent law; Bout List in retaliation for Magnitsky List? Pussy Riot lawyers leave their clients; Puti...
November 16, 2012

Usmanov, Megafon, and Business Diplomacy

Alisher Usmanov is an Uzbek businessman worth $18 billion with somewhat contradictory interests in social media investments and defamation lawsuits.  But this bit from the Financial Times is just sooo good. “Usmanov is known as a person able to re...
November 16, 2012

How to Make Friends and Push a Russia Bill through Congress

My sincere congratulations to my friend, Bill Browder, on this historic achievement to memorialize the life of Sergei Magnitsky and other victims of injustice in Russia. Also my congratulations to the city of Washington DC, who now get to enjoy th...
November 15, 2012

RA’s Daily Russia News Blast – Nov 15, 2012

TODAY: Putin allows new treason laws to pass, amid criticism; Internet laws also criticised; Lavrov condemns Syria bloodshed; Magnitsky Bill progressing in U.S. Senate, Stepanova implicated in second case; all eyes on Merkel; MegaFon’s London list...
November 13, 2012

Arkady Rotenberg in Hot Water?

Not that long ago, Gazprom was feared as an unstoppable titan of the energy industry, with expansion plans to nearly all continents.  But lately, performance has not kept pace with expectations.  It’s interesting to see the Financial Times i...
November 10, 2012

FT on Rosneft

Neil Buckley in the FT has written some sharp analysis this week on the recent $55 billion deal that saw both of the interests previously controlling TNK-BP falling under the control of Rosneft and its overlord, the Kremlin.  The move is dubious o...
November 6, 2012

RA’s Daily Russia News Blast – Nov 6, 2012

TODAY: Putin fires Serdyukov; May protesters implicated in grand conspiracy; Lavrov says Russia is supplying arms to Syria; German magazine says Cyprus bailout will benefit oligarchs; rubber bullet guns; Kirill to visit Israel; services, inflation...