Meet the Russian shadow delegation in Munich

[ad_1] MUNICH — “I’ve discovered I’m popular with Munich taxi drivers,” chortled Mikhail Khodorkovsky. He’s surprised they recognize him. They have been peppering him with questions about the future of Russia and whether its President Vladimir Putin will resort to nuclear weapons or can remain in power.  They aren’t theContinue Reading

Putin is staring at defeat in his gas war with Europe

[ad_1] Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. There’s more bad news for Vladimir Putin. Europe is on course to get through winter with its vital gas storage facilities more than half full, according to a new European Commission assessment seen by POLITICO. That means despiteContinue Reading

Russian diamonds lose their sparkle in Europe

[ad_1] Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. In the European bubble in Brussels, diamonds aren’t anyone’s best friend anymore.  The Belgian government’s reluctance to ban imports of Russian diamonds, which would hurt the city of Antwerp, a global hub for the precious stones, has outragedContinue Reading