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☆ Scores of world figures urge Putin to free Navalny in open letter
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 28 (Reuters) - Scores of famous figures, including writers and actors, have signed an open letter urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to free opposition politician Alexei Navalny and to end what they called his torture in prison. Russian authorities say Navalny and his supporters are extremists with links to the U.S. CIA intelligence agency intent on trying to destabilise Russia. They have outlawed his movement and Navalny himself is facing new charges that could add years to his prison sentence. Navalny's supporters have grown increasingly worried about his health in recent weeks, saying they fear he could die in jail. The Kremlin denied trying to kill him and said there was no evidence he was poisoned with a nerve agent.

☆ Russians trying to help the Kremlin are being scammed into throwing Molotov cocktails at its offices and cars instead: reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

They were told by scammers to chuck Molotov cocktails, but most were unsuccessful, per local media. The people involved have tried to set fire to enlistment offices, bank ATMs, a car trunk, and a police department, though most have been unsuccessful, the outlet reported. Olga told authorities an unknown man had been calling her for a month, saying he was a bank employee. He'd taught Olga how to create the Molotov cocktails and instructed her to start a fire in the government building, according to Shot. We're standing on the street where they stopped me," Olga told the man on the phone.

☆ A lawyer-turned-fighter codenamed 'Witch' has gained viral fame defending Ukraine as a mortar commander in the fiercest battlefronts of the war
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Mortar platoon commander Olga Bigar is better known in Ukraine by her callsign "Witch." Junior Lieutenant mortar platoon commander Olga Bigar of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces. A baptism of fireJunior Lieutenant mortar platoon commander Olga Bigar of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces. Junior Lieutenant mortar platoon commander Olga Bigar of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces. Junior Lieutenant mortar platoon commander Olga Bigar of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces.

☆ 70-year-old Russian woman who called President Zelenskyy a 'handsome young man' fined for 'discrediting' Russian military, says human rights group
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Isobel Van Hagen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A 70-year-old Russian woman was detained after she called Zelenskyy "a handsome young man." Olga Slegina was fined 40,000 rubles ($491) in a Russian court on Tuesday, Memorial reported. Slegina also said of Zelenskyy: "Everyone used to laugh at his jokes," according to reporting by Memorial, a Russian human rights organization. The police officer who detained Slegina told her, "You have no right to praise him because he is our enemy," according to Memorial, which has been outlawed in Russia. A Russian court on Tuesday fined the elderly woman 40,000 rubles (about $490), in a session that lasted no longer than five minutes, Memorial said.

Nasyrova brought a slice of cheesecake laced with a highly potent sedative, the release said, adding that after Tsvyk ate the offered dessert, she felt sick and passed out. Her “last memory was of seeing Nasyrova walking around her room,” according to the DA’s office. Nasyrova was sentenced to 21 years in prison on Wednesday. “(Nasyrova) laced a slice of cheesecake with a deadly drug so she could steal her unsuspecting victim’s most valuable possession, her identity. Nasyrova was sentenced to 21 years in prison on Wednesday.

☆ Opinion | Could Peer Influence Be a Cause of the Global Baby Bust?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Peter Coy | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

I read several papers on peer effects on fertility with Angrist’s caveats in mind. Those factors made the classmates more likely to become pregnant, which in turn influenced the fertility outcomes of the girls being studied. Less-educated women were less likely to have a baby when a colleague of the same education level had one. The negative peer effect for less-educated women “could come from a desire to distinguish oneself from one’s peers,” among other factors, they speculated. The research “provides support for the role of social norms in the fertility choices of reproductive-aged Chinese women,” they wrote.

That man was the military commandant of Balakliia, a key figure in Russia’s six-month occupation of the eastern Ukrainian town. Town residents knew the commandant only by his call sign of “Granit,” the Russian word for granite, as Reuters reported in an October investigation into Moscow’s withdrawal from the town. One of the documents listed Valery Sergeyevich Buslov as among the Russian officers present in Balakliia, stating his role was military commandant. He has served as the Kaliningrad garrison’s military commandant, responsible for maintaining discipline among troops and sailors stationed there, according to a 2019 military newspaper article. By May, the military commandant had arrived in Balakliia, according to Oleksandr, one of the two female residents and another local woman.

☆ Millennium is on the hunt for engineers in Miami. A top tech exec for the $58 billion hedge fund details the firm's new training program.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Bianca Chan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The head of tech for Miami outlines what applicants can expect, how to stand out, and why Miami. Naumovich, who was hired in September 2022, is responsible for building out Millennium's tech presence and tech offerings in Miami. A big part of that mandate will come down to recruiting tech talent, which has previously proven challenging for Wall Street firms in the area. The rotational program is the first of its kind in Millennium's tech organization. Wall Street SouthThe LEaD program is just one aspect of Millennium's big-picture build out in Miami.

☆ Millennium's new Miami-based engineering program is the latest shot in hedge fund's war for young tech talent
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Insider's Bianca Chan has a first look at Millennium Management's new engineering training program for its Miami office. Click here to read more about Millennium's new training program for engineers in Miami. JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon, BlackRock's Larry Fink, Citigroup's Jane Fraser, and Wells Fargo's Charlie Scharf shared thoughts on the banking crisis during their respective earnings calls. The world's largest money manager is open to making some deals in the wake of the banking crisis. Despite all the chatter on the recent banking crisis, JPMorgan's CEO still had thoughts on the state of the wider economy.

☆ Inside Millennium Management's new engineering-recruitment program in Miami, from what applicants can do to stand out to why the city is becoming a key tech hub for the $58 billion hedge fund
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Bianca Chan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

☆ Russian electronics retailer M.Video-Eldorado's sales drop in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies This content was produced in Russia where the law restricts coverage of Russian military operations in Ukraine. The West moved to curb technology exports to Russia after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine last year, while several leading manufacturers pulled out of the Russian market. The company cited high volatility in sales of household appliances and electronics. The overall size of the electronics and appliances market in Russia dipped from 2.5 trillion roubles in 2021 to 2.3 trillion in 2022, M.Video estimated in the investor presentation. With government support, Russia's retailers have also moved to boost their sales of electronics from countries that have not imposed sanctions on Russia, such as China, Turkey and India.

☆ Russia conscription: Putin set to make it harder for men to avoid call-up
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“We have been expecting the second mobilization wave for a long time now, and this is the beginning,” Irina, a 51-year-old psychologist whose son is of mobilization age, told CNN from Moscow. ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images“I don’t believe a word of this,” Alexey, a 41-year-old lawyer from Moscow, told CNN. Currently, conscription documents in Russia must be hand-delivered by the local military enlistment office or through an employer. The prospect of leaving Russia has been a realistic one for many who oppose the war, and who have avoided or fear a call-up. Artem told CNN he is exploring the possibility, but sees few options and fears being unable to find work abroad.

☆ Russia's Ozon reports 55% jump in 2022 revenue
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MOSCOW, April 6 (Reuters) - Russian online retailer Ozon (OZON.O) on Thursday said its 2022 revenue jumped 55% to 277.1 billion roubles ($3.4 billion) but costs related to a major fire a fulfilment centre pushed it to a larger annual loss. Ozon's gross merchandise value (GMV) - the total value of goods and services sold by the platform - jumped 86% to 832.2 billion roubles ($10.30 billion), the unaudited financial results showed. Losses rose 2% to 58.2 billion roubles. For the fourth quarter of 2022, Ozon's GMV was up 67% at 296 billion roubles and losses shrank by 46% to 11.2 billion roubles compared to the same period of 2021, Ozon said. Revenue was up 41% year-on-year during the three months to 93.6 billion roubles.

☆ Even Putin's media stooges are mocking Trump's arrest, joking that he may have to seek asylum in Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Russian state media personalities took jabs at Trump following his Tuesday arrest and arraignment. In one broadcast, AI images of Trump wearing orange jumpsuits appeared to dance to "Jailhouse Rock." Top editors give you the stories you want — delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The Russian state media response to Trump's indictment was first reported on by The Daily Beast and columnist Julia Davis, who created the Russian Media Monitor to combat Russian propaganda. Co-host Olga Skabeeva gleefully acknowledged in Russian that "Trump may change into an orange prison suit," adding: "We're getting lots of popcorn and waiting."

☆ Russian girl who drew anti-war picture leaves orphanage with mother
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Children's Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova said she had spoken to the girl and to her mother, named Olga. Lvova-Belova posted a picture of the girl and her mother sitting on a bed, looking into each other's eyes. "I am glad about the beginning of the reunion of daughter and mother," Lvova-Belova said. He was accused of discrediting the Russian armed forces in social media posts. While on the run, he was sentenced in absentia to two years in a penal colony for discrediting the armed forces.

☆ Russia's ultranationalists appear increasingly vulnerable after pro-war blogger's killing
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The blast killed Tatarsky and injured at least 30 others, the authorities said, before detaining a woman on suspicion of involvement in what they described as a "high-profile murder." The death also sent shockwaves through Russia's pro-war commentariat which has burgeoned since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago. Tatarsky was one of Russia's more prominent and outspoken pro-war bloggers, with 572,000 followers on the popular messaging app Telegram. Unsettling ultranationalistsTatarsky's death is the second apparent assassination of a prominent Russian pro-war commentator on home soil. A leading Russian military blogger was killed on April 2, 2023 in an explosion in Russia's second-largest city of St. Petersburg, the interior ministry said.

☆ Bomb kills Russian pro-war blogger in St. Petersburg café
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A leading Russian military blogger was killed on April 2, 2023 in an explosion in Russia's second-largest city of St. Petersburg, the interior ministry said. Olga Maltseva | AFP | Getty ImagesWell-known Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed by a bomb blast in a St Petersburg café on Sunday in what appeared to be the second assassination on Russian soil of a figure closely associated with the war in Ukraine. The head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said on Sunday he would "not blame the Kyiv regime" for it. Vladlen Tatarsky Russian blogger, speaking last SeptemberBut another leading Russian official pointed the finger at Ukraine, without providing evidence. The Kyiv regime is a terrorist regime.

☆ Kraft Heinz agrees to sell Russian baby food business
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MOSCOW, March 31 (Reuters) - Kraft Heinz (KHC.O) has agreed to sell its baby food business in Russia to local drinks and snacks maker Chernogolovka, the U.S. food giant said on Friday, as domestic firms continue to capitalise on the departure of Western brands. According to Chernogolovka, the deal will include two factories and the "Umnitsa" and "Sami s usami" brands. "We anticipate closing the deal in the second half of 2023 (Q3) and will continue working with Chernogolovka post-completion, to ensure a smooth integration," a Kraft Heinz spokesperson told Reuters. Neither Kraft Heinz nor Chernogolovka disclosed the price or mentioned any buyback clause. Russia's Kommersant newspaper reported on Thursday, citing sources, that Kraft Heinz estimates the deal's value at between 2.5 and 3 billion roubles ($32.4 to $38.9 million) but the government is yet to approve the valuation.

Most international grain traders have stopped new investment in Russia since last year following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine but continued exporting Russian wheat. "As grain export-related challenges continue to mount, Cargill will stop elevating Russian grain for export in July 2023 after the completion of the 2022-2023 season," the company said in an emailed statement. "The cessation of its export activities on the Russian market will not affect the volume of domestic grain shipments abroad. The company's grain export assets will continue to operate regardless of who manages them," the agriculture ministry told Reuters. According to RBC business daily, Cargill will export 2.2 million tonnes of Russian grain in the 2022-23 exporting season, or around 4% of Russia's total grain exports.

☆ Russia's Ozon appeals Nasdaq delisting plan
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nasdaq suspended trading in the securities of a number of companies operating in Russia on Feb. 28, 2022, days after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine. Last week, the exchange notified a handful of Russian companies of delisting plans. "On March 21, Ozon filed an appeal against Nasdaq's decision on the compulsory delisting of the company's American depositary shares (ADSs)," Ozon said in a statement. "No matter how this plays out, the delisting decision has no impact whatsoever on the company's operations and does not affect its financial stability," Ozon said. Ozon raised nearly $1 billion in an initial public offering (IPO) in late 2020, a debut that sparked a mini-IPO boom for Russian firms.

☆ Russia's Ozon intends to stay public as Nasdaq starts delisting process
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nasdaq suspended trading in the securities of a number of companies operating in Russia on Feb. 28, 2022, days after Moscow despatched tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine. On Wednesday, the exchange notified a handful of Russian companies of delisting plans. "Going forward, and in any scenario, we act in the interests of our investors," Ozon said in a statement. Ozon raised nearly $1 billion in an initial public offering (IPO) in late 2020, a debut that sparked a mini-IPO boom for Russian firms. Internet giant Yandex (YNDX.O), recruiter Headhunter (HHR.O) and payment service provider Qiwi (QIWI.O) were also notified of their anticipated delisting from Nasdaq, the companies said.

☆ Russia is recruiting female convicts to serve in Ukraine amid growing battlefield losses, reports say
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Reports have emerged of Russian efforts to recruit female convicts to fight in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said a carriage full of female prisoners was seen heading towards Donetsk. The report suggested that Russia was seeking to find new sources of fighters against a backdrop of heavy losses. The region borders occupied Ukraine by way of the Kerch bridge that connects Russia to Crimea. Prigozhin later announced that he was ending this policy, amid reports that inmates were put off by the mounting death toll.

☆ Russian state TV host claims Ukraine's allies are reduced to eating squirrels because they are spending all their money on military aid
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Russian TV host claimed that the UK is eating squirrels over Ukraine war-related food shortages. The claim appears to stem from unrelated reports advocating eating grey squirrels. Grey squirrels are an invasive species in the UK, and groups want to preserve native red squirrels. The group campaigns to preserve the country's native red squirrels, which are endangered due to competition by grey squirrels, considered a non-native invasive species. The group's remarks were reported in numerous news outlets — all in relation to efforts to cull grey squirrels without waste.

☆ Womb for rent: More women are working as commercial surrogates as global demand rises
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Typically, commercial surrogacy is gestational surrogacy, meaning the surrogate has no biological link to the child. The growing commercial surrogacy industryDilara is one of a growing number of women turning to commercial surrogacy as a source of income amid swelling global demand for carriers. The global commercial surrogacy industry was worth an estimated $14 billion in 2022, according to market research consultancy Global Market Insights — though exact numbers are hard to verify given the private nature of many arrangements. In the first three quarters of 2022, more than 400 parental orders were made for surrogate parents in the U.K. Women's rights groups are calling for greater regulation of the commercial surrogacy industry.

☆ Putin's top troops are being 'decimated' as Russia relies too much on so-called 'elite' forces to wage war in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Several so-called "elite" Russian units have suffered heavy casualties on the battlefield in Ukraine. The 155th is only the latest so-called "elite" Russian unit to face serious setbacks on the battlefield. An abandoned Russian military tank left in the Ukrainian city of Balakliia after Russian Forces withdrew from the Kharkiv region on September 15, 2022. So I think it's much more of a blow to Russia's ground force's combat power than it is to their reputations." Russia's military leadership has at times faced criticism and even domestic outrage over its decision-making.

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