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PROFILE: Putin's Russia — A War Economy Devouring Its Own Future in Q1 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, Russia devoted 5.9 trillion rubles — approximately $81.4 billion — to military spending. That figure represents 46% of…
INVESTIGATION: Russia's War Economy Reaches Its Limits — What the Kiel Report Says
Since 2022, one narrative has dominated discussions about Russia's economic resilience: Putin is holding, the sanctions are not working, the ruble is surviving, Russia's…
REPORT: Ukraine's economy contracts for the first time since the wartime recovery began
The National Bank of Ukraine confirmed on June 18, 2026: Ukraine's real GDP declined by 0.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 —…
INVESTIGATION: Putin at SPIEF Champions the Anchorage "Compromise" — But Conditions Remain Unacceptable
Each year, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) gives Vladimir Putin a domestic stage to address Russian economic elites and the foreign partners…
NARRATIVE: Europe Extends Sanctions — One More Year to Strangle Putin's Economy
On June 25, 2026, the Council of the European Union extended economic sanctions against Russia by one year. They will remain in force until…
COMMENTARY: The USA-Ukraine minerals agreement — the 2025 promise vs. 2026 reality
On April 30, 2025, the United States and Ukraine signed a minerals agreement that was presented by both governments as a landmark in their…
NARRATIVE: Poland and Germany sign historic defense agreement — Europe rearms in fast-forward
On June 17, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a bilateral defense pact that European security analysts had…
DECODING: Ukraine Strikes Saint Petersburg at Putin's Forum — Message Received
On the night of June 6–7, 2026, Ukraine launched hundreds of drones against Russian territory, targeting several regions — most notably Saint Petersburg, Vladimir…
NARRATIVE: The Day Putin Admitted — Ukrainian Strikes "Are Damaging the Russian Economy"
Vladimir Putin's words during the Kremlin videoconference on Tuesday, June 24, 2026 made their way around the world's military and political newsrooms within hours.…