Kremlin push to increase control over the internet PRO Members Public
The Russian authorities are investing significant sums in order to extend state control over the internet, according to a media investigation published last week. At the same time, there are big changes underway at VK, the company that controls Russia’s biggest social network (Vkontakte). According to The Bell’s
‘Tax on the rich’ raises $1bln in first year PRO Members Public
The Federal Tax Service released Thursday details about the first year of a ‘tax on the rich’. However, this is not a tax on billionaires. Since last year, income tax in Russia has risen to 15 percent (from a flat-rate 13 percent) for anyone earning more than 5 million rubles
Media investigation of Sputnik V reveals litany of errors PRO Members Public
An investigation published Thursday by independent media outlet Meduza (designated a ‘foreign agent’ by the Russian authorities) and The Bell looked in detail at Russia’s coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V. Throughout vaccine development, pressure to beat international competitors seems to have forced error after error — despite the vaccine itself clearly
Putin hosts Kadyrov amid outrage over ‘blood feud’ PRO Members Public
Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya, has long been allowed to flout Russian law. And the Kremlin this week reaffirmed his untouchable status as security officers loyal to the former warlord continued their high-profile pursuit of the family of an opposition blogger. The blogger’s
Inflation confounds expectations, hits 3-year high PRO Members Public
Annual inflation was reported last week to be running at up to 8.5 percent in December, its highest level for three years. It shows no sign of slowing despite the Central Bank raising interest rates seven times last year. Central Bank head Elvira Nabiullina said recently that inflation was
Kadyrov & the Kremlin PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is on the Kremlin’s apparent backing for Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in his extra-judicial pursuit of an opposition blogger. We also look at why inflation continues to rise despite predictions by officials and analysts, and the reaction to HBO’s documentary on opposition
Guessing game as US-Russia talks pause for Putin PRO Members Public
Russia did not get the response it wanted last week from the West about security guarantees in Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin is now thinking over Moscow’s next move. Whatever he decides will likely raise the stakes, and indicate how far Russia is prepared to go. What will Putin
Studies suggest ‘negative efficacy’ for vaccine EpiVacCorona PRO Members Public
Sputnik V may be the most famous Russian coronavirus vaccine, but it is not the only one. Back in 2020 the country developed two vaccines: Sputnik V and EpiVacCorona. While the effectiveness of Sputnik V has been proven beyond doubt, it’s still very unclear if EpiVacCorona works at all.
Geopolitics rule on Russian markets PRO Members Public
There was an unusual phenomenon on Russian currency markets last week: while crude oil passed $90 a barrel for the first time since 2014, the ruble extended its decline. The ruble fell Wednesday below 80 to the U.S. dollar for the first time since late 2020. * Russia’s currency
Waiting for Putin PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is on the formal U.S. response to Russian demands over Ukraine and European security, and how the Kremlin might respond. We also look at why scientists and journalists are raising questions about the efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine EpiVacCorona, and how geopolitics are
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The Bell a été fondé en 2017 par les journalistes Elizaveta Osetinskaya, Irina Malkova et Peter Mironenko en tant que média indépendant des autorités russes, après que ses fondateurs ont été limogés de leur poste de rédacteurs en chef du plus grand site d'information russe, RBC, en raison des pressions exercées par le Kremlin.
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