FRF.THINK TANK

War Economy, War Society – How Strong Is Putin Really?

How far can Putin go in militarizing Russia? What are the weaknesses of his approach?

Belousov’s Appointment Exposes a Structural Crisis in Putin’s MOD

Putin’s difficulties are plenty and mounting

Yandex is the Kremlin’s Weapon Against Democracy

even the most superficial examination of the actions by Yandex and its executives bring to light a long history of close cooperation with the Russian authorities and security services, actively facilitating systemic suppression of freedom of speech and political expression

Propaganda Issues

It has become common to criticize Russia’s leadership for falling for their own propaganda and expecting that their planned invasion of Ukraine would receive support from the local population and demoralize Russia’s elites

Putin’s War Economy

Czar Broadcasts Panic

EU Imports of Russian Gas

In 2023, the EU was the largest buyer of Russia’s pipeline gas, purchasing 36% of its exports, followed by Turkey (31%) and China (28%)

EU Imports of Russian Gas

In 2023, the EU was the largest buyer of Russia’s pipeline gas, purchasing 36% of its exports, followed by Turkey (31%) and China (28%)

Recent Sanctions of OFAC Targeting Russia’s Oil and Gas Industry

Objectively speaking, the evolving US sanctions regime has had a significant impact on the Russian oil and gas industry

The Transition Project: Decentralization of the Economy

The Transition Project: Devolution of Power