Russia's economic pivot to Asia

Over the past four years, Russia has shifted its economic focus toward Asian markets, a strategy known as a "pivot toward the East." This move has been driven by economic challenges in Western markets and efforts to diversify trade partners.

Russia-China trade reaches new heights

Russia's main Asian partner is China, with bilateral trade reaching 228 billion dollars (197 billion euros) in 2025. This significant figure highlights the deepening economic ties between the two countries, especially in energy and infrastructure sectors.

Growing Russia-India trade relations

Relations between Russia and India have also grown stronger, with bilateral trade reaching 68.7 billion dollars (59 billion euros) in the financial year 2024-2025. This represents a substantial increase compared to trade levels in 2021-2022, showing a fivefold rise in economic cooperation.

Russia-ASEAN trade hits record

Trade between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached a record 23 billion dollars in 2024. This marks a significant milestone in Russia's expanding economic partnerships across the region.

Kommersant's historical background

Kommersant is one of the first independent Russian newspapers, established in 1990 during the perestroika era. It has maintained a strong focus on economic news and has played a significant role in Russian media history.

Ownership changes and sanctions

Kommersant has undergone several ownership changes, including periods under the control of prominent Russian oligarchs. Since 2022, its current owner, Alicher Ousmanov, has faced Western sanctions, raising questions about the newspaper's editorial independence.

Kommersant's ongoing relevance

Despite concerns over its independence, Kommersant continues to be a respected source of information, maintaining connections with both the business world and political circles in Russia.