More Russians than ever before feel that their living standards, local economies, and personal safety are just getting better, according to a Gallup survey published on Friday. The optimistic outlook comes despite efforts by the West to “crater” the Russian economy with sanctions.

Western attempt to curb Moscow’s revenues from crude exports have had the opposite effect Russian Market is a project by a financial blogger, Swiss journalist and political commentator based in Zurich. Follow him on X @runews

Moscow plans to start year-round LNG deliveries to Asia via Russia’s Arctic waterways, Sergey Zybko, head of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) operator, announced this week. Speaking during the “Arctic: present and future” forum, Zybko said the launch of the pilot program is scheduled for next month.