The latest R.Politik Bulletin No. 17 (169) is now available, offering an in-depth look at Russia’s shifting external and domestic landscape in early October 2025.

IN FOCUS
We analyse the entrenched tactical deadlock between Russia and the United States, where political dialogue has stalled and military risk is rising. Moscow’s attempt to revive the Anchorage framework now coincides with Washington’s deliberations on supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine—an escalation the Kremlin equates with a nuclear threat. At the same time, Europe’s tougher posture—moves to unlock frozen Russian assets, constrain the “shadow fleet,” and develop an air-defence shield over western Ukraine—has deepened systemic confrontation.


SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS
- Wartime fiscal tightening: the 2026–2028 budget entrenches a long-term “war economy.”
- “Nuclear Week” in Moscow: Russia leverages its atomic sector for strategic signalling.
- The Momotov case: prosecution extends into the judiciary.
- Moldova’s elections: results expose limits of Russian influence in the region.
- New envoy to the Northwestern District: occasional personnel policy.
- Indicators: record fuel prices; mobilisation fears rising, war-support levels stable.