Russia/CIS
EV battery technology race may upset China’s dominance
New battery technologies give countries beyond China another chance to build market share in next-generation batteries
InternationalRussian food production will continue to grow
Although smaller in volume than in 2023, the Russian grain harvest in 2024 was nevertheless impressive
RussiaPayment for Russian gas will be easier in Europe
President Vladimir Putin issued a decree modifying the procedure for European buyers to pay for Russian gas
RussiaPoor dairy outlook offsets cereals improvement
The World Food Price Index rose to the highest since April 2023 due to high prices of vegetable oils and dairy products
InternationalOSCE’s Malta summit highlights continued paralysis
The meeting of OSCE foreign ministers descended into recriminations
MaltaLonger OPEC+ cuts set stage for 2025 member tensions
OPEC+ has agreed to delay its plans to return oil to the market
InternationalNorth Korea-Russia defence ties will deepen further
The two countries’ mutual defence agreement signed in June, reportedly came into effect yesterday
North KoreaArmenia likely to move further away from CSTO
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia has reached a "point of no return" in distancing itself from the CSTO
Armenia
