Russia
Russia is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia, and the world's largest country by land area. Its capital is Moscow, and the country has a population of about 144-million people. Russia operates as a federal semi-presidential republic, though its governance has become increasingly centralised under President Vladimir Putin. The economy is heavily dependent on natural resources, particularly oil, natural gas, coal and metals, which dominate exports and government revenues. Russia is a major global energy supplier, with state-controlled companies such as Gazprom and Rosneft playing pivotal roles in international energy markets. The country is also a significant producer of wheat, fertilisers and military equipment. Russia's currency is the rouble, and it is a member of regional blocs including the Eurasian Economic Union and BRICS Plus. The country has historically been a destination for labour migration from former Soviet states and, more recently, has sought to expand economic and diplomatic ties with African nations. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has faced extensive international sanctions that have reshaped its trade relationships and prompted closer engagement with non-Western economies. Russia's business environment is characterised by state influence in strategic sectors, regulatory complexity and geopolitical volatility.
Russia Updates
Central African Republic to accept third-country deportees from US, sources say
By: Reuters 8th June 2026 Central African Republic has agreed to take in migrants from other countries deported by the United States, two sources with knowledge of the... →
IMF MD Georgieva warns world isn’t ready for shocks that are piling up
By: Bloomberg 8th June 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) MD Kristalina Georgieva said that after facing crisis upon crisis in recent years, the world needs to build... →
Oil prices climb more than $4 after Israeli strikes on Iran, Lebanon
By: Reuters 8th June 2026 Oil prices jumped more than $4 on Monday, with investors spooked by fresh Israeli strikes on Iran as well as renewed attacks on Lebanon a day... →
DA requests IEC investigation over ANC-Russia ‘disinformation network’ 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 4th June 2026 The DA has formally requested that the Independent Electoral Commission launch an immediate investigation into ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula... →
The Sahel region is less secure than ever: foreign forces just add to the cycle of violence
26th May 2026 Several of Mali’s major cities experienced coordinated attacks in April by a new coalition of jihadists and separatist groups. As the coalition... →
Economic hardship drives Kenyans onto Russia’s brutal frontline
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 21st May 2026 High youth unemployment exposes young Kenyans, like thousands across Africa, to exploitation and false promises of lucrative jobs abroad. Kenya has... →
The end of strategic ambiguity as Africa’s security alignments become operational
By: In On Africa IOA 20th May 2026 Analysis in brief: In pursuit of safe countries where citizens can prosper and investors feel secure, Africa is using its new geopolitical... →
Don’t waste the crisis
By: Terence Creamer 15th May 2026 South Africa is experiencing its third energy crisis of this decade. While electricity loadshedding has been a threat for far longer, the most... →
Southern Africa’s regional uranium production looking up as demand outlook rises
By: Martin Creamer 13th May 2026 The symbol U and the atomic number 92 are once again among the energy elements being looked at with greater intensity amid global fossil fuel... →
Iran war to cast a shadow on BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Delhi
By: Reuters 13th May 2026 The US-Israeli war on Iran is set to cast a shadow over a two-day meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS grouping that kicks off in New... →
