Today in Russian Business – Dec 17th, 2008

Russia’s economic situation is worsening by the day – ‘the big question is whether the regime’s political control will crack too.‘  Despite the financial crisis, Russia’s arms exports will exceed $8 billion this year, a $1 billion increase on last year’s figures.  Russia is considering buying an unspecified number of remotely piloted reconnaissance aircraft from Israel, and could provide Lebanon with fighter jets.  Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov has announced an increase in spending on grain purchases this year to provide reserves in case of a bad harvest in the future.  A Google statistics search has revealed Russians’ concerns about the financial crisis.  Disney anticipates the possibility for ‘vast growth‘ within Russian television.