Russia
China cross-border finance system will not aid Russia
China’s Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) currently operates as a complementary service to SWIFT
ChinaNATO accession plans would increase Baltic tensions
Finland and Sweden could join NATO before the end of the year
SwedenPutin statements prod Serbia's shift away from Russia
Pro-government media in Serbia, usually firmly supportive of Russia, indicated a possible change in rhetoric in Belgrade
RussiaUkraine-linked cyber threats remain serious
Government researchers and cybersecurity companies are closely tracking malware targetting Ukraine
InternationalSeparatist mobilisation adds to Moldova nervousness
A military call-up in Transnistria has created worries but officials say it is perfectly normal
MoldovaRussian rates are as likely to go up as down
The Central Bank of Russia believes inflation pressures are easing and has cut rates from 17% to 14%
RussiaRussian arms sales to South-east Asia will fall
Sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine will deal a heavy blow to its arms trade
South-east AsiaUkraine crisis will muddy eastern EU energy transition
Varying enthusiasm for sanctions on Russian energy highlight how difficult the energy transition will be for the EU-11
EU
