Russia

A Bloomberg investigation published this month describes how Western companies trying to leave Russia face Russian government approval and a required discount of at least 60% on an appraised value. They also pay a 35% exit tax, and the government commission sometimes asks for discounts of up to 80%. Any entrant from a country Russia classes as 'unfriendly' should treat exit as very costly and possibly impossible.

Bloomberg · 2026-10-09

Russia–China trade passed US$135 billion in the first half of 2026, up 22% year on year. Six new bilateral investment projects were added this year, covering chemicals, iron ore and food ingredients, with a focus on the Far East following the Vladivostok forum. Most foreign investment and trade growth now comes from Asian partners, and Chinese firms are the main competitors for any new entrant.

Russia's Pivot to Asia · 2026-09-11

The Finance Ministry's 2027 tax proposals include a 35% tax on dividends paid into non-resident 'Type C' accounts, 22% VAT on cross-border online retail purchases, and a 100-ruble customs fee on parcels worth less than €200. Mining and metals companies would also pay a 30% windfall tax. If adopted, these would raise the cost of foreign shareholdings and make it harder for foreign e-commerce sellers to compete in Russia.

The Moscow Times · 2026-09-24

On 1–2 October the UK added more individuals to its Russia asset-freeze list. It also designated more vessels under its shipping sanctions, which ban chartering, operating or servicing the named ships. Western enforcement against Russian oil logistics and shadow-fleet shipping is still increasing, which raises compliance risk for shippers, insurers and traders handling Russia-linked cargo.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Sanctions Notice) · 2026-10-02

On 11 September the Bank of Russia kept its key rate at 14.00%, ending a run of ten straight cuts from the 21% peak. It said price pressure had risen sharply: annual inflation was 6.3% on 7 September, and its estimate of underlying inflation rose to 5–6% annualised as fuel shortages and reduced production capacity fed through to other prices. Borrowing costs for local financing will stay high for longer than expected, and the bank still forecasts 6–7% inflation for 2026.

Bank of Russia · 2026-09-11

Governor Nabiullina said Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries have caused a fuel shortage. Higher transport costs are now pushing up prices across many goods and services. Russia has had to import more petroleum products, and together with export bottlenecks this weakened the ruble over the summer. Growth for 2026 is projected at only 0–1%, so entrants should plan for weak demand alongside cost inflation and currency volatility.

The Moscow Times · 2026-09-11

On 30 September the government sent the State Duma a 2027–29 draft budget. It plans 48.8 trillion rubles of spending against 43.3 trillion of revenue in 2027, a deficit of about 5.4–5.5 trillion rubles (around 2.2% of GDP), based on a $50 oil price. The 2026 deficit is now projected at almost double earlier plans. Reported 2027 defence spending is about a third of the federal total, and a record share of spending is classified. Ongoing deficits mean more borrowing and taxes, and could keep monetary policy tight.

Interfax · 2026-10-01

In the State Duma elections held 18–20 September, United Russia won a record two-thirds constitutional majority, about 349–355 of 450 seats according to different counts. Independent analysts say the vote was the least competitive in modern Russian history. The government can now pass legislation without opposition, including the new tax package and countersanctions measures.

The Moscow Times · 2026-09-25

In a 9 October call with President Trump, President Putin said peace talks were unlikely to resume immediately. He cited Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow during the election, even though the US had proposed technical-level trilateral talks by the end of October. A settlement that could lead to sanctions relief is not in sight.

Al Jazeera · 2026-10-10

Russia has promised to step up strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after Ukraine said it would keep attacking Russian oil refineries. Ukrainian drones are already damaging Russian energy infrastructure and reaching Moscow. Operations in Russia face real physical and logistics risks, including fuel supply disruption.

CNBC · 2026-10-05