Category: Putin, Vladimir V

Kremlin Moves to Seize Control of Nestlé’s Russia Operations

The New York Times – Business:
The Swiss maker of KitKats and Nescafé said it was assessing the situation after the Kremlin issued a presidential decree.
Why Emerging Powers Keep Joining BRICS, Even When They Disagree

The New York Times – On the Runway:
Leaders of emerging economies meet in New Delhi this weekend, but global conflicts and soaring energy prices threaten to undermine unity.
With Messaging That Mirrors Putin’s, Germany’s Far-Right Party Gains Ground

The New York Times – On the Runway:
Embracing positions extolled by the Kremlin, the Alternative for Germany party may govern for the first time in a German state.
They Went to Ukraine on the ‘Peace Express.’ Detours Are Likely Ahead.

The New York Times – On the Runway:
The Trump administration had let the peace process enter such a freeze that a trip to Kyiv was just an initial step. Any new talks will happen alongside escalating fighting.
Bessent Blames Ukraine for High Energy Prices

The New York Times – Business:
After meeting with Russia’s finance minister, the Treasury secretary said Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil infrastructure were contributing to a global energy shock driven mainly by the US war with Iran.
Summit With Russia, India and Iran Shows Leverage Wars Have Given Xi of China

The New York Times – On the Runway:
A two-day conference of the 10-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Kyrgyzstan shows the limits of U.S. economic warfare.
Putin Is Coming for Russian Literature

The New York Times – On the Runway:
The Kremlin is redefining what it means to be a writer in Russia.
How a Trump Envoy Uses Vodka and Dirty Jokes to Conduct U.S. Diplomacy

The New York Times – On the Runway:
The diplomat, John Coale, says his personalized approach gets results and matches the president’s style. Critics contend he is giving up too much to an authoritarian leader.
A New Lethal Front in Ukraine: Its Beloved Gas Stations

The New York Times – On the Runway:
Russian drone attacks have hit hundreds of gas stations in apparent retaliation for Ukraine’s attacks on oil refineries.
Russia’s Lukoil to Sell Its Foreign Assets to U.S. Investment Firm

The deal with Carlyle comes after the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Lukoil, putting a dent in the Kremlin’s oil revenue.
Too Close to Putin? Institutions Vet Artists, Uncomfortably.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led arts organizations to reconsider who performs, forcing them to confront questions about free speech and policing political views.
Pressed on Putin, Russian Conductor Quits Bolshoi and French Post

Tugan Sokhiev, the Bolshoi’s music director, said he was “being asked to choose one cultural tradition” over another, at a moment Russian artists are under pressure to denounce Russia’s president.