In this digest, Ascolta presents a comprehensive analysis of key political, economic and social developments in Russia that have a direct impact on both the country’s domestic processes and international relations. We take an in-depth look at how Russian government decisions, economic developments and public sentiment are shaping the political agenda and affecting domestic stability.
Special attention is paid to the consequences of these events for Russia’s foreign policy, its relations with key international players, and possible changes in the global geopolitical landscape.
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OFFICIAL EVENT OVERVIEW
- President of the Russian Federation
For the Russian president, last week proved to be an extremely eventful week on the international stage. Rapid changes in the Middle East, a number of statements from Washington, and the meeting of a number of Western leaders in Paris were demonstrations of fundamental shifts in the geopolitical arena, in which Russia also has to change its strategic approaches in a number of areas.
On Tuesday, December 3, Vladimir Putin and Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation at the initiative of the Türkiye side. The main focus was on the worsening situation in Syria. Putin stressed the importance of stopping terrorist aggression against the Syrian authorities and called on Türkiye to use its influence to stabilize the region. The leaders reiterated the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination within the framework of the Astana process together with Iran. During the conversation, they also discussed the prospects of the Russian- Türkiye partnership in trade, economic and energy spheres. The Presidents agreed to continue contacts to find ways to de-escalate the conflict.
On the same day, the Russian president met with State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev in the Kremlin. The main purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State scheduled for December 6 in Minsk. During the meeting they discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation and integration processes between Russia and Belarus. Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that the meeting was held in preparation for the upcoming meeting.
The 15th VTB Investment Forum “Russia Calling!” kicked off in Moscow on Wednesday, December 4. The main topic of the forum was the future of capital and its role in the transformation of the global economy. Vladimir Putin spoke at the plenary session, emphasizing the success of the Russian economy despite the sanctions pressure. According to him, Russia has not only recovered from the crisis, but also demonstrates qualitative structural changes: GDP growth in 2024 amounted to 4.1%, and the manufacturing industry increased by 8.1%. The Russian president noted the record low unemployment rate of 2.3%, which distinguishes the country from most leading economies. Special attention was paid to fighting inflation, modernizing industry and expanding domestic sources of financing. Putin emphasized that the growth of investment in fixed assets continued for the third year in a row, despite the withdrawal of Western companies. In the sphere of international cooperation, emphasis was placed on developing relations with the Global South, Asia and the BRICS countries to compensate for losses from Western sanctions. The forum also discussed the digitalization of the economy, including the launch of the digital ruble and the development of payment systems within BRICS. Of particular interest were plans to modernize logistics routes such as the North-South corridor and the Northern Sea Route. Putin said that Russia remains open for investors, but warned of difficulties for Western companies to return to their previous positions due to active import substitution and the increased presence of companies from friendly countries. The forum ended with a question-and-answer session where prospects for cooperation with China, India, African countries and other partners were discussed. Putin reiterated the strategic importance of SME development and invited foreign companies to participate more actively in the Russian economy.
On Thursday, December 5, Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects, where he discussed Russia’s priorities until 2030. The main focus was on the results of the existing national projects and the formation of new ones aimed at the development of key areas: demography, healthcare, education, ecology, transportation and technology. The President stressed that the updated projects should take into account the experience and mistakes of previous programs, and their goals should be realistic and focused on improving the lives of citizens. Special attention was paid to infrastructure, development of regions, including the Arctic and the Far East, and technological sovereignty. Mikhail Mishustin presented plans for the implementation of 19 national projects with a budget of more than 40 trillion rubles, emphasizing interdepartmental cooperation and the attraction of extra-budgetary funds. The meeting also discussed the efficiency of project management, social policy, and integration of digital technologies. Tasks were outlined to adjust indicators, provide feedback to citizens and overcome current problems in the sphere of housing and utilities, medicine and education. Measures to support families, increase housing affordability, improve the environment, and develop transportation, including unmanned technologies, were named as important areas of work.
The Russian President also held an operational meeting with permanent members of the Security Council in the format of a videoconference. They discussed the development of industries producing dual-use products, which are key to both the economy and Russia’s defense capabilities. Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov made a report. It is noteworthy that a meeting in this format has not been held for several weeks, although in recent years a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council has become a weekly tradition for Putin.
Later it became known about the appointment of Alexander Khinshtein as interim governor of Kursk region. On the same day, he met with Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Putin emphasized the need for crisis management in the region, given the current difficult situation, and highlighted the priorities of economic recovery, housing and communal services, and assistance to the population. Khinshtein expressed his readiness to justify his trust and make every effort to fulfill the tasks set for him.
On Friday, December 6, a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus was held in Minsk to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State. During the meeting, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko signed key documents aimed at deepening integration and ensuring security of the two countries: the Treaty on Security Guarantees within the Union State (defines mutual obligations on defense, protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia and Belarus. Special attention is paid to the use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed on the territory of Belarus), as well as the Treaty on the formation of a unified electricity market of the Union State (provides for the creation of a single electricity market, which will reduce prices for end consumers and increase energy security of both countries). During his speech, Alexander Lukashenko noted that for 25 years the Union State has proved its worth, emphasizing: “The established bilateral relations demonstrate a powerful force of mutual attraction, which is based on a common language, similar mentalities and cultural traditions.” In turn, Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of the signed documents for strengthening security: “I am confident that this agreement will allow to reliably protect the security of Russia and Belarus and thus create conditions for further peaceful and sustainable development of our two states. Both leaders expressed confidence in further strengthening integration and cooperation between Russia and Belarus, noting the importance of the agreements reached to ensure the sovereignty and stability of the Union State.
Following the Union State meeting, the presidents of Russia and Belarus made statements to the media, highlighting the key issues of bilateral cooperation. In particular, Lukashenka emphasized the importance of the topics discussed at the meeting, including threats on the western borders related to NATO’s military build-up in Poland and Lithuania. He also publicly addressed Vladimir Putin with a proposal to deploy Russia’s newest Oreshnik missile systems on the territory of Belarus, which, he said, could strengthen the security of the Union State: “The deployment of these systems would significantly strengthen the defense of our Union. These are not nuclear weapons, but are comparable to them in effectiveness without negative consequences for the environment.” Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to satisfy Belarus’ request, emphasizing that the deployment of the “Oreshnik” systems will begin in the second half of 2025. He specified that these complexes have unique accuracy and destructive power comparable to nuclear weapons, but without radiation consequences: “Such systems as Oreshnik will become an important part of the defense of the Union State. Their deployment on the territory of Belarus will become possible as their serial production is ramped up and the necessary infrastructure is prepared.” Both leaders noted the productivity of the last meeting, where they signed a treaty on security guarantees, which strengthens allied commitments, and a treaty on the creation of a common electric power market. Putin also said, “Today’s treaties are of fundamental importance: one for economic integration, the other for ensuring the security of the Union State.” Lukashenko concluded by expressing satisfaction with the results of the meeting and added: “The way it always works with Putin is: if you want to achieve something, ask publicly. This speeds up the process.”
On Sunday, December 8, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on US President-elect Donald Trump’s statement following his meeting with Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Zelensky in Paris. Peskov emphasized that Russia remains open to negotiations on Ukraine, especially welcoming the initiatives of the Global South, including BRICS and the humanitarian efforts of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. According to Peskov, the conditions for a cessation of hostilities were laid out by Vladimir Putin back in June. However, he noted that Ukraine refuses to negotiate, citing Zelensky’s decree banning any contact with the Russian leadership. To start a peaceful dialog, Peskov emphasized, it is necessary to cancel this decree and resume negotiations on the basis of the Istanbul agreements, taking into account the current situation. Referring to the data on losses voiced by the Ukrainian side, Peskov said that they were far from reality. He stressed that Ukraine’s real losses were much higher than Russia’s, while the current situation was leading to the depletion of the Ukrainian army, lowering the mobilization age to 18 and toughening mobilization methods, which only aggravated its situation.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Last week, the bulk of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s contacts focused on Syria and the Middle East region. However, the usual agenda of diplomatic “ping-pong” in relations with Washington was not ignored. Below are the key points worth paying attention to:
- Last week for the Russian Foreign Ministry began with a statement by spokesperson Maria Zakharova on the 80th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle’s visit to the USSR. In particular, Zakharova noted that de Gaulle’s legacy contrasts with the policy of modern French authorities, who, neglecting historical lessons, aggravate the crisis in relations with Russia. She recalled de Gaulle’s words: “For France, to be together with Russia means to be strong, and to be separated means to endanger itself,” emphasizing their relevance to current Russian-French relations.
- Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó arrived in Moscow on Monday, December 2, and met with his Russian counterpart to discuss bilateral relations, cooperation in the international arena and the European agenda. During the meeting Sergey Lavrov noted the steady growth of trade turnover and successful implementation of flagship projects, especially in the energy sector, despite external economic difficulties. Hungary’s independent policy focused on national interests and its desire for peace were particularly emphasized. Among the key topics of discussion was the situation around Ukraine. Lavrov expressed support for peace initiatives, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent “peace route” and proposals by China, Brazil, South Africa and Arab countries. However, he emphasized that a settlement is only possible if the root causes of the conflict are addressed: the oppression of the rights of Ukraine’s Russian-speaking population and NATO’s eastward advance. He recalled Russia’s position, outlined by President Putin, on the inadmissibility of Ukraine’s accession to the alliance. Lavrov also expressed concern that the West could use the ceasefire as a way to regroup and increase military aid to Ukraine, which he said would only exacerbate the conflict. He criticized the “Zelensky formula”, where Russia is excluded from the negotiation process, and stressed that Russia was ready for dialogue, but only on the basis of taking into account its legitimate interests.
- It is worth noting that on the same day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko met with the new Slovak ambassador to Russia, Peter Priputen, and accepted copies of his credentials. During the conversation, the sides discussed certain aspects of bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue in the current circumstances.
- Also, the Russian President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with Syrian Ambassador to Moscow Bashar Jaafari. The main topic of discussion was the escalation of the situation in Syria against the backdrop of the actions of terrorist groups in the northwest of the country. Russia expressed solidarity with the Syrian people and supported the Syrian authorities’ efforts to stabilize the situation, reiterating the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Later, Bogdanov held a meeting with Deputy Secretary General of the Arab League Husam Zaki. The talks discussed the situation in Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, emphasizing the need to resolve crises in the Middle East exclusively by political and diplomatic means without external interference. The sides confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation between Russia and the LAS, agreeing on further coordination to develop interaction with the Arab World.
- On Tuesday, December 3, Mikhail Bogdanov held a meeting with Ambassador of Kuwait Rashed Al-Adwani. They discussed prospects for strengthening Russian-Kuwaiti relations and key issues on the regional agenda, including the situation in and around Syria.
- Later, Bogdanov visited Iraqi Ambassador to Moscow Haider al-Azari, who is undergoing treatment in a Moscow hospital. In the conversation, which was attended by the diplomat’s wife, Meyham Al-Rubeyi, the Russian side expressed its wishes for the Ambassador’s speedy recovery and reaffirmed its commitment to the development of traditionally friendly Russian-Iraqi relations and multifaceted cooperation.
- On Wednesday, December 4, Mikhail Bogdanov held a meeting with Egyptian Ambassador to Moscow Nazih Nagari. During the conversation they discussed topical issues of the Middle East agenda, including the situation in Syria, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as the situation in Sudan and Libya. Aspects of Russian-Egyptian cooperation were also touched upon, including the coordination of the schedule of upcoming bilateral contacts.
- On December 3-4, inter-ministerial consultations of the CIS states on cooperation in the information sphere were held in Minsk under the chairmanship of the Russian side. Representatives of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan (as observers) and the CIS Executive Committee took part in the meeting. At the meeting the issues of increasing the efficiency of information support of the CIS activities, media coverage of key international events and deepening cooperation between the leading media of the participating countries were discussed. Special attention was paid to the preparation for the coverage of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The need for a collective fight against common information threats, including countering the spread of disinformation and fakes in the CIS media space, was emphasized. The next consultations on information issues are scheduled for 2025.
- On December 4, President Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelati. They discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the escalation in Syria and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Concern was expressed over the escalation in Syria, emphasizing the need to preserve its sovereignty and prevent the spread of terrorism that threatens the stability of the region. The Ministers emphasized the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the promotion of a just solution to the Palestinian problem on the basis of international law.
- On Thursday, December 5, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Budapest Memorandum, the speaker of the Russian Foreign Ministry issued an official statement, emphasizing that the memorandum is not an international treaty and does not create obligations under international law. Russia, according to her, strictly fulfilled its obligations, while the USA and its allies actively interfered in Ukraine’s internal affairs, violating its sovereignty and provoking crisis processes. Zakharova pointed to Kiev’s violation of the memorandum’s clauses, including the fight against aggressive nationalism, which contributed to centrifugal processes inside the country. Zakharova paid special attention to the statements by Kiev and some Western politicians, who admit the possibility of revising Ukraine’s nuclear-free status or transferring nuclear weapons to it, which, in Moscow’s opinion, is an inadmissible violation of the NPT. Russia, as she emphasized, is categorically against any attempts to arm Kiev with nuclear weapons.
- On December 5, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the closure of the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg in response to the Polish authorities’ decision to terminate the work of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan as of November 30. From January 10, 2025, the Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg will cease its activities, and three of its diplomatic staff have been declared “persona non grata” and must leave Russia before the specified date. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that this decision was taken within the framework of the principle of reciprocity, reacting to Poland’s “openly hostile course” aimed at destroying Russian-Polish relations. Moscow said that such actions by Warsaw, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Poznan under a “far-fetched pretext,” are part of anti-Russian policy and reiterated that Russia will take tough retaliatory measures against any unfriendly steps.
- On December 4, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution “Eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations” initiated by a group of member states under the leadership of the Russian Federation. The document was supported by 113 states, 63 countries abstained, and no state voted against it. The resolution was previously approved by the Special Committee on Decolonization and the Fourth Committee of the UNGA. The adoption of the resolution was a significant step for countries in the Global South and East aimed at combating the historical colonial legacy and its contemporary manifestations. The document is designed to strengthen international efforts to implement the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples of 1960, and proposed to declare December 14 as the International Day to Combat Colonialism. The Russian side expressed its readiness to continue anti-colonial work in multilateral platforms, using the adopted resolution as a basis for further initiatives.
- On December 5, Sergey Lavrov arrived in Malta to participate in the 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council. It is important to note that for Lavrov this was the first visit to an EU country since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Lavrov’s speech was devoted to reflecting on the evolution of the OSCE, criticizing Western policies and emphasizing the formation of new contours of a multipolar world. Lavrov began by recalling the 35th anniversary of the Malta Summit, which symbolized the end of the Cold War, and the approaching 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. The Minister emphasized that the principles of the indivisibility of security and a comprehensive approach to co-operation in Europe, including the politico-military, economic and humanitarian dimensions, established in 1975 have been undermined by the current geopolitical realities.
Lavrov also accused NATO and the EU of ignoring the Helsinki principles, using them exclusively for their own interests and destroying arms control mechanisms. He emphasized that Western policies, starting with the aggression against Yugoslavia and ending with the Ukrainian conflict, had led to the revival of the Cold War. He noted that the OSCE, which could have been a platform for dialog and joint response to challenges, has lost its role due to the dominance of Western countries. Western states, he said, had privatized the OSCE’s executive structures and abused the consensus principle by promoting unilateral initiatives.
Special attention was paid to the consequences of NATO enlargement, sanctions against Russia and the OSCE’s role in human rights issues. Lavrov condemned the OSCE’s silence on Ukraine’s policy against Russian-speaking citizens and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church and expressed doubts about the organization’s ability to remain effective. The minister stressed that real prospects for cooperation today are realized within the framework of Eurasian organizations, such as the SCO, CIS, EAEU, CSTO, as well as BRICS. He noted the importance of the initiative to develop a “Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity” presented at the conference on Eurasian security. In conclusion, Lavrov expressed his conviction that the future lies in the pan-Eurasian architecture, which will be based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, opposed to the outdated and “bankrupt” Euro-Atlantic structures.
- In the framework of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, Sergey Lavrov also met with the Minister for Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, for the second time in a week. During the conversation, the sides discussed current issues of bilateral co-operation, focusing on practical aspects of co-operation. The ministers also exchanged views on OSCE activities and considered a number of key international issues.
- Sergey Lavrov also held a meeting with Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar. During the meeting, they discussed the functioning of the OSCE in the current geopolitical environment, the prospects for Russian-Slovak relations, the situation around Ukraine and other important topics on the international agenda.
- Summing up the results of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Malta, Sergey Lavrov noted the organization’s deep crisis caused by the undermining of consensus and the use of the OSCE by the West to advance geopolitical goals. The minister stressed that instead of ensuring equal security, Western countries ignore the principles of the organization, expand NATO and support the Kiev regime, creating threats to Russia. Lavrov said that Russia sees the future of security within the Eurasian continent, based on mutually respectful cooperation. He recalled the proposal to develop a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity presented at the Minsk conference. He also condemned the Ukrainianization of the international agenda by the West and reminded that the current crisis in Ukraine is a consequence of the long-term anti-Russian policy. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s readiness for negotiations based on respect for the interests of the parties, but emphasized that the West’s confrontational line makes it difficult to restore trust.
- On Friday, December 6, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko held consultations with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi in Moscow. The sides discussed key aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade and economic interaction and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects in transport and energy. The schedule of upcoming contacts, including summit meetings, was confirmed. The aspiration to strengthen the strategic partnership, which will be enshrined in a new interstate treaty, was emphasized.
- On December 6, Mikhail Bogdanov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East, met with Moussa Abu-Marzouk, Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Politburo, in Doha. They discussed the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, including the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Russia expressed readiness to facilitate the consolidation of Palestinian political forces on the basis of the platform of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Support was confirmed for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- On Saturday, December 7, within the framework of the Doha Forum, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen. The escalation in northwestern Syria due to the offensive by the militants of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was discussed. Urgent measures were considered to stabilize the situation, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access. Lavrov emphasized the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the need for joint efforts to restore stability and constitutional order in the country.
- Also within the framework of the 22nd Doha Forum, the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran and Türkiye – the guarantor countries of the Astana Process – met. Geir Pedersen, UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Syria, joined the discussion. The main topic was the escalation in Syria’s northwest caused by the actions of armed groups. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, as well as to the provisions of UNSC Resolution 2254. The Ministers agreed to intensify joint efforts to stabilize the situation and maintain close contacts.
- Following his visit to Doha, Sergey Lavrov gave detailed answers to questions concerning the situation in Syria, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the war in Ukraine and the prospects for Russian-American relations. In particular, he emphasized the inadmissibility of strengthening the positions of terrorist groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, condemned the violation of agreements within the framework of the Astana Process and noted the need to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which provides for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. The Minister reported on the continued support of the Syrian military by the Russian air force and diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, including a call for dialog between the government and the opposition. Commenting on the situation between Israel and Palestine, Lavrov condemned the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, as well as Israel’s retaliatory actions that led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians. He emphasized the need to establish a Palestinian state within the framework of international legal agreements as a key condition for ending violence and preventing further escalation. Speaking about Ukraine, Lavrov noted that the root cause of the conflict was the violation of the rights of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine since 2014 and the aggressive actions of NATO, which tried to create a threat to Russia on Ukrainian territory. Lavrov was skeptical of President Zelensky’s initiatives and expressed support for proposals by China, Brazil and other countries, emphasizing the need to take into account the root causes of the conflict. Asked about possible changes after the new U.S. administration comes to power, Lavrov noted the danger of the growing militarization of Europe pushed by Washington. He expressed hope for the presence of sensible politicians in the United States who would be able to prevent escalation, including the use of nuclear weapons.
- On Sunday, December 8, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the current situation in Syria. In light of the negotiations that took place and the decision of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to leave his post and leave the country, the Russian side emphasized the need to resolve all governance issues exclusively through political means, refraining from violence. The Russian side stated that it did not take part in the negotiations that led to this decision, but remains in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition. It emphasized the importance of taking into account the opinions of all ethno-religious forces in Syrian society and supporting an inclusive political process, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Moscow also expressed hope for the active participation of the UN and the international community in the implementation of the initiative of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Geir Pedersen to organize inter-Syrian talks in Geneva. The statement said that Russian military bases in Syria have been put on high alert, but at the moment their security is not threatened. Special attention is paid to measures to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in the region.
- Government of the Russian Federation
The Russian government worked in a regular mode last week. Below are the main events worth paying attention to:
- On Monday, December 2, Mikhail Mishustin held an operational meeting with deputy prime ministers to discuss the development of the agro-industrial complex, support for microelectronics and road construction. To support agriculture, an additional Br57.5 billion has been allocated for soft loans and Br750 million for agricultural insurance. The development of rural areas will continue through the program of preferential mortgages, for which Br4.8 billion has been allocated. In the field of microelectronics, enterprises producing equipment for electronics will receive benefits on insurance premiums from 2025, which will allow them to invest in development and personnel. Br2.6 billion has been allocated for the repair and construction of roads under the national project “Safe Quality Roads”. The funds will be allocated to facilities in nine regions, including the reconstruction of bridges and construction of overpasses. From 2025, these initiatives will be combined into a new project “Infrastructure for Life”, covering transportation, housing and utility networks. The measures taken are aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens and economic sustainability of the country.
- On the same day, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov held a working meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Moscow. They discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation, including the supply of railroad cars to Egypt and the construction of the Paks-2 nuclear power plant in Hungary. Manturov praised the results of the September meeting of the Russian-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission in Budapest, where a business forum with the participation of 80 companies proposed areas for joint work in pharmaceuticals, chemistry, machine building, metallurgy and food industry. Cooperation in education, healthcare and nuclear medicine was also discussed.
- Szijjártó also held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak. The working meeting discussed the development of bilateral trade and economic relations and energy supplies from Russia to Hungary. Novak emphasized that Hungary remains an important partner of Russia in Europe. Despite external pressure, Hungarian companies continue to work on the Russian market and put forward new project initiatives. He also noted the growth of mutual investments between Russian and Hungarian businesses by 6% in the first quarter of this year.
- On Wednesday, December 4, a meeting of the Government was held, devoted to the protection of consumer rights, support for the agro-industrial complex (AIC) and subsidizing air travel. Special attention was paid to the fight against the imposition of additional services. Mikhail Mishustin noted that despite the measures already taken, citizens continue to complain about cases when they are forced to pay for unnecessary services, such as insurance when buying tickets or purchase of additional services in car dealerships. The government has prepared a bill providing for written consent to such offers. This should eliminate automatic consent marks, which often become a trap for citizens. In the agro-industrial complex, the Government continues to support businesses investing in the development of the industry. In 2024, more than 8 billion rubles were allocated for reimbursement of part of the costs of investment loans. At the meeting, it was decided to allocate an additional 500 million rubles to 12 regions to complete key projects, such as modernization of production facilities, purchase of equipment and construction of new facilities. This should help strengthen food security and increase the competitiveness of domestic products. Air transportation also remains in the spotlight. Despite the sanctions, it has been possible to maintain stable operation of the industry, increase passenger traffic and support the air fleet. 3.5 billion rubles are allocated to expand routes, especially in hard-to-reach regions. This will make it possible to maintain the availability of flights at preferential rates and ensure the country’s connectivity.
- On Thursday, December 5, Alexander Novak hosted the 38th ministerial meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC countries, as well as the 57th meeting of the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) via videoconference. The meeting reaffirmed commitment to the Declaration of Cooperation (2016) and the Charter of Cooperation (2019), extending the total oil production level to 39.725 million bpd until the end of 2026. Of this volume, OPEC countries account for 24.135 million barrels, while 15.59 million are from states outside the cartel. The UAE’s share is increased by 300,000 bpd with a gradual increase in production from April 2025 to September 2026. The JMMC together with the Joint Technical Committee and the OPEC Secretariat will continue to monitor the market situation and fulfillment of the agreed quotas by the participants. Data from seven independent sources will be used for analysis. The oil production assessment period has been extended until November 2026, which will be the basis for quotas for 2027. OPEC+ ministerial meetings will be held semi-annually, while the JMMC meetings will be held every two months. The next meetings are scheduled for February 3, 2025 (JMMC) and May 28, 2025 (ministerial meeting).
OVERVIEW OF IMPORTANT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC EVENTS IN RUSSIA
- Visit of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to Moscow
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó’s visit to Moscow on December 2 and his subsequent statements indicate Hungary’s desire to strengthen its role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. In Moscow, Szijjártó met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, emphasizing that “Hungary is on the side of peace” and that “the war in Ukraine cannot be solved on the battlefield; the solution must be found at the negotiating table”.
After his visit to Moscow, Szijjártó traveled to Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump’s future national security aide Mike Waltz. Following the meeting, he said, “We are very close to making Donald Trump’s goal of ending this war quickly a reality,” adding that the Biden administration is “trying to make it hard to make peace after January 20 [Trump’s inauguration].”
Earlier it was reported that after his election victory, Donald Trump called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban several times to discuss the situation in Ukraine. According to the sources, Orban may undertake a new peacekeeping initiative on the Ukrainian issue.
These developments point to Hungary’s intensified diplomatic efforts in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, as well as its desire to play a mediating role between Russia and the West. Hungary, by maintaining a dialog with Russia and engaging with the new U.S. administration, is likely seeking to increase its influence in the region and contribute to an early resolution of the conflict.
However, Szijjártó’s statements that the Biden administration is obstructing the peace process may be perceived as controversial and may be criticized by Western partners. Nevertheless, Hungary’s activity in this direction emphasizes its desire for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and its readiness to facilitate negotiations between the parties.
Overall, Szijjártó’s visit to Moscow and his subsequent diplomatic moves are evidence of Hungary’s attempts to position itself as a key mediator in resolving the Ukrainian conflict, utilizing its ties with both Russia and the West.
- Entry into force of the “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty between Russia and the DPRK
On Thursday, December 5, the “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty between Russia and the DPRK entered into force, marking a new level of relations between the two countries. The document covers a wide range of political, military and economic aspects, confirming the parties’ strategic commitment to joint action in the face of growing international tensions.
The main provisions of the contract:
- In the event of a threat of armed aggression against one of the parties, countries shall hold consultations to agree on measures to provide assistance.
- In the event of an armed attack, one country undertakes to provide immediate military and other assistance to the other.
- Both sides undertake not to enter into agreements with third countries against each other’s sovereignty and security.
- There is a prohibition on supporting unilateral coercive measures against each other if such measures are imposed by third parties.
- The Parties undertake to jointly confront challenges in food and energy security.
- The contract is indefinite in duration.
North Korea, according to Western sources and Ukrainian authorities, has already sent its military to Russia’s Kursk region, although there has been no official confirmation of their participation in the fighting. The Ukrainian General Staff claims that clashes with the North Korean military may have taken place, although they have not yet been noticed on the front line.
With the entry into force of the treaty, North Korea may begin active military assistance to Russia in combat operations on the territory of Ukraine. This step could significantly affect the dynamics of the conflict, increasing the risks of international escalation.
The cooperation between Russia and the DPRK against the backdrop of the ongoing Western isolation of both countries shows their desire to create an alternative world order based on mutual support and counteraction to international sanctions. Nevertheless, the entry into force of the treaty is alarming for Western countries, which may perceive this step as a threat to global security. In the long term, the development of these relations may significantly affect the balance of power in the international arena, strengthening the alliance between countries seeking to avoid the dictates of Western norms and values. For Russia, this treaty is a step in strengthening the eastern vector of its foreign policy, while for the DPRK it is an opportunity to strengthen its international influence through the support of a major strategic partner.
- Sergey Lavrov interview with Tucker Carlson
On Friday, December 6, Sergei Lavrov’s interview with American journalist and Trump supporter Tucker Carlson was published. He had previously interviewed Vladimir Putin, which has racked up more than 240 million views in a matter of months. In the interview with Carlson, Lavrov touched on key issues of U.S.-Russian relations, the conflict in Ukraine and the threat of nuclear war. The conversation lasted more than an hour, and the Russian foreign minister did his best to elaborate on the Russian position. Below are the key aspects of the interview:
On U.S.-Russian relations
Lavrov emphasized that Russia does not want war with the United States. “We see no reason why Russia and the United States cannot cooperate for the common good,” he said, adding that Vladimir Putin respects the American people and their achievements. However, he noted that US actions, especially arms deliveries to Ukraine, “obviously go beyond the bounds of normal partnership.” The minister expressed concern over statements by the US military about the permissibility of a nuclear exchange: “These kinds of threats are seriously alarming. This is dangerous rhetoric that should not be neglected.
On the conflict in Ukraine
Speaking about the reasons for launching the special military operation, Lavrov said: “We launched the operation to put an end to the war that the Kiev regime was waging against its own people in Donbas”. He accused the West of ignoring Russian proposals for security guarantees in 2021: “We wanted to agree on coexistence with Ukraine. We were ignored.”
The minister recalled the talks in Istanbul in 2022, when the Ukrainian delegation was allegedly ready for a compromise: “In April 2022, they proposed the concept of Ukraine’s neutrality, but everything broke down after Boris Johnson’s visit to Kiev. The head of the Ukrainian delegation later admitted this”.
On international law and self-determination
Lavrov noted the West’s double standards: “When Kosovo declared independence without a referendum, it was supported. But when the Crimeans held a referendum and returned to Russia, it was declared a violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The UN Charter is not a menu from which only convenient items are selected.
On the possibility of a peaceful settlement
The minister confirmed Russia’s readiness to negotiate on terms that take into account the current realities: “The situation has changed since the start of the operation. Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions are now part of Russia, and this is a fact that cannot be ignored”. He also emphasized: “We cannot tolerate continued discrimination against the Russian language, culture and the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.”
On the prospects for Russian-American dialog
When asked about the possibility of direct contact between the leaders of Russia and the United States, Lavrov said, “We are open for dialog. But our Western partners must respect our legitimate interests.” The minister also expressed hope that the new administration in Washington would be more constructive: “We judge by deeds, not words. The ball is on their side.”
Closing thought
Lavrov noted that Russia is not interested in global confrontation, but is ready to defend its interests by all available means: “We are fighting for our people, for their rights, for a peaceful future. This is the basis of our policy.
- Interview with Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, to the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper
On Friday, December 6, the Komsomolskaya Pravda website published an interview with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, in which he spoke about global security, relations with the West and the prospects for a multipolar world. The key aspects of the interview are presented below:
On the new “Yalta” and international security
Ryabkov drew a parallel with the Yalta Conference, recalling that the 1945 agreements ensured stability for several decades. However, he emphasized that the US has historically been unhappy with the balance, and its quest for dominance has destroyed the foundations of international security. “The idea of ‘Yalta 2.0’ is not ruled out, but only in the context of forcing Washington to negotiate on our terms,” Ryabkov said.
On the Eurasian Security System
Russia, he said, is focused on creating an indivisible security architecture in Eurasia, where the states of the region will resolve conflicts without the intervention of external forces. This system should replace the Euro-Atlantic model, which, according to the diplomat, has outlived its usefulness. Ryabkov supported Belarus’s initiative to develop the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity, but noted that BRICS would not become its platform due to the global nature of the association.
On Russia’s position and preventive measures
Ryabkov said Russia has moved from drawing “red lines” to direct warnings and actions. He called the test of the hypersonic Oreshnik a signal to the West about Russia’s determination to defend its interests. “If we are not heard, we move to practical response measures,” the diplomat noted.
On the prospects for relations with the U.S.
The deputy minister admitted that there are virtually no politicians in the United States interested in dialog with Russia, and anti-Russian rhetoric has become mainstream. Nevertheless, Moscow hopes for the new administration’s common sense: “Our goal is not to worsen relations, but to look for common ground if our opponents are ready for it,” Ryabkov said. Russia’s new ambassador to the United States, according to Ryabkov, will focus on resuming dialog and working with “trampists.”
On the risks of global conflict
Ryabkov rejected claims about the “inevitability of World War III,” emphasizing that Russia is doing everything possible to avoid a direct clash with NATO. However, he warned that Western actions lead to escalation: “We are ready to defend our interests by all available means, but we prefer to settle contradictions through honest negotiations.
- Syria: The departure of Bashar al-Assad
After the rapid advance of anti-government forces in Syria, which managed to occupy the largest cities of the country and enter Damascus within a week, Bashar al-Assad left the post of the President of Syria and left the country. For some time, information about the shooting down of his airplane in the skies over Syria was actively discussed, but later it became known that he arrived in Moscow with his family. The event was the culmination of an ongoing conflict since 2011 that has led to widespread destruction, a humanitarian crisis and international interventions. Before leaving, Assad ordered a peaceful transfer of power, which reduced the risk of large-scale destabilization in the short term.
Russia, a key ally of Damascus throughout the conflict, has not officially participated in the talks but remains an active player in the region. Russian officials have been in contact with leaders of the Syrian armed opposition, which sources say has guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic facilities inside Syria.
Particular attention is focused on the Russian base in Tartus, located on the Mediterranean Sea. Opposition units have entered the city, but reportedly no incidents have been reported around the base. This demonstrates that Moscow has been able to reach an agreement with opposition forces to preserve its strategic facilities.
The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, as the question of the future state structure of the country and the distribution of power among the various factions is still open.
RESULTS OF THE WEEK: ANALYTICAL REVIEW BY ASCOLTA
The past week has brought Russia and its leadership a lot of headaches related to events in the Middle East. The rapid advance of opposition Islamist forces, the loss of major cities in record time, and Bashar al-Assad’s abdication of power suggest that what happened was part of some political plan or arrangement in which Russia decided to make military and political concessions for the sake of reformatting its presence in the region. Many experts point to the fact that Assad’s power fell rather quickly, Assad’s unexpected visit to Moscow on the eve of the main events, the sending of Assad’s family to Russia (which did not happen even during the most dramatic moments of the civil war), the passivity of the Russian contingent, the surprisingly rapid advance of the militant group, which until recently was not the most active, the role of Türkiye, the careful avoidance of conflicts between the militants and Russian military and diplomatic missions, and the fact that Russian business in Syria continues to operate in Syria
It seems that there is a “change of heart” in the Middle East: Russia is removing “its” Assad in favor of the pro- Türkiye Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, but retains a number of strategically important areas. Russia is also no longer an active player in Syrian politics, but retains its economic interests.
It also creates additional negotiating positions with the US and Israel. Iran looks like the main loser in this process.
At the same time, Russia tried to intensify informal dialog with the United States – simultaneously on several platforms. The most important in this regard is the arrival in Russia of journalist Tucker Carlson, ostensibly for an interview with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. It is a well-known fact that Carlson is close to Trump and enjoys his trust. The political traditions of American diplomacy imply the use of informal ties to resolve issues of interstate relations. Thus before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Soviet Russia in the early 1920s, contacts between the two states were conducted through a few informal individuals, notably the millionaire Armand Hammer. In 1941, for preliminary talks with Stalin, Franklin Roosevelt sent his special representative Harry Hopkins, who was not vested with governmental powers at that time, to Moscow. Carlson’s visit is very similar to such contacts.
Interestingly, Lavrov decided to make a special gesture and arrived at the OSCE summit, making it clear that Russia has intentions to solve its isolation problems from the West in the near future.
But just in case, Putin not only reminded about the integration processes with Belarus, but also announced the intention to deploy “Oreshnik” complexes on the territory of Belarus.
