📌 R.Politik Bulletin 19 (171) is out now.

IN FOCUS:
A rare institutional clash in the Russian power system. Zaporizhzhia head Yevgeny Balitsky’s attempt to subordinate the regional election commission and dismiss its head triggered a backlash from the Central Election Commission, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Presidential Administration.

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS:
– US nuclear tests: Moscow elaborates possible responses amid growing arms control uncertainty
– Lavrov’s "disappearance": Who is acting against the foreign minister, and why
– State Duma 2026 campaign: AI tools used for voter profiling and targeting
– Venezuela: Moscow navigates its position amid rising external pressure
– Tver’s new governor: Appointment process highlights wartime staffing issues
– Belousov’s new deputy: Move to align Defence Ministry with defence industry
– Lukoil–Gunvor deal blocked by OFAC, raising risk of nationalisation or asset loss

This issue delivers detail on internal decisions and policy recalibration unavailable in open sources.

https://rpolitik.com/bulletin/19-2025/electoral-clash-exposes-system-tensions-nuclear-uncertainty-grows-venezuela-pressure-builds-lavrov-targeted-ai-enters-campaign?utm_source=telegram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_promo_rp&utm_content=bulletin_page