Russia’s High Inflation Persists in January Data

Inflation in Russia held at elevated levels in January, data published Wednesday showed, as soaring government spending on the military offensive in Ukraine pushes prices higher. The Kremlin’s sweeping militarization of Russia’s economy has helped confound predictions that the campaign could trigger an economic collapse, but has led to rising prices across the country. Annual…

Russian Scientists Find Microplastics in Wasp Intestines

Russian biologists have discovered microplastics in the intestines of common wasps, with its concentration increasing since 2019, Tomsk State University said Wednesday. “In contrast to well-studied marine and freshwater ecosystems, the occurrence of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems remains virtually unchecked,” said Anastasia Simakova, head of the invertebrate department at Tomsk State University’s Biological Institute.  “Preliminary…

Russians Deride ‘Western Excess,’ Declare Love for Putin on Valentine’s Day

While much of the world is celebrating Valentine’s Day with cards, chocolates and flowers, some in Russia have seized on current geopolitical tensions to undermine the romantic holiday and paint it as an example of Western “excess.” Soon after being disqualified from the presidential election, Communists of Russia party chairman Sergei Malinkovich urged lawmakers to “launch a legislative…

Russia Halts Annual Payments to Arctic Council

Moscow has suspended annual payments to the Arctic Council until its work resumes in full, Russia’s Foreign Ministry told state media Wednesday. The United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in March 2022 suspended participation in the Arctic Council over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia’s annual contributions to the Arctic Council’s budget have been suspended…

Putin Signs Law Allowing Seizures of War Critics’ Assets

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a law that allows authorities to confiscate the assets of individuals convicted of “discrediting” and spreading “fake news” about the military.  The wartime legislation also allows seizing money and other valuables from those found guilty of inciting “extremist” activity and calling for “anti-Russian” sanctions.  The law does not appear…