Today in Russian Business – March 9, 2012

Bloomberg has a video interview with Uralkali CEO Vladislav Baumgertner in which he explains how increasing demand for potash in the developing markets justifies the company’s plans to increase production by 90% with $6 billion worth of investment.  CNN talks to Viktor Vekselberg about Russia’s plans for innovation.  BeyondBrics analyzes how the money spent on Women’s Day presents reflects consumer mood (somewhat despondent it would seem – with 41% of Russians planning to give flowers against 62% last year.)  The rapid ascent of Putin ally Gennady Timchenko up Forbes’ rich list has led some observers to question the President elect’s claim that does not foster a new oligarchy, says this article.   Russia’s beef with Apple.