©Getty

In this issue

In September 2011, the president’s days as leader seemed limited only by his lifespan. They now seem numbered

Jun 20, 2012

Country begins to tire of Putin’s reign

Last September, the president’s days as leader seemed limited only by his lifespan. They now seem numbered, reports Charles Clover

Igor Sechin (left), with Dmitry Medvedev, the prime minister ©AFP Jun 20, 2012

Energy: Infighting casts doubt on privatisation

Catherine Belton looks at the power struggle worrying foreign investors

electronic board at RTS stock exchange ©Reuters Jun 20, 2012

Stock exchange: Foreign investors wait to see what government will do

Markets unconvinced by Putin’s rhetoric, says Catherine Belton

Jun 20, 2012

Economy: Oil dependency remains a fundamental weakness

Structural reform is urgently needed, writes Neil Buckley

Freight train ©Bloomberg Jun 20, 2012

Rail freight: State sell-offs boost competition further down the track

Sales gather pace amid consolidation of private operators, writes Isabel Gorst

Russia's president Vladimir Putin (right) and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev (centre) meet cabinet members ©Getty Jun 20, 2012

Politics: Decision making becomes less predictable

Mr Putin’s behaviour has raised a few eyebrows, writes Charles Clover

A customer browses women's fashion wear ©Getty Jun 20, 2012

Efficiency: Better productivity is seen as driving future growth

Charles Clover looks at efforts to boost GDP

Jun 20, 2012

Retail: Shoppers resolutely ignore global turmoil

Spending surges but weaker rouble may act as a brake, says Courtney Weaver

a young Russian woman tries on a wedding dress in an upmarket salon in Grozny ©Reuters Jun 20, 2012

Weddings: Marriage of old and new in deluxe market

Nouveau-riche adopt western styles – and add a few of their own, writes Isabel Gorst

Jun 20, 2012

NIS Glonass: Joint venture knows where it is going

The operator of navigation satellites seeks commercial opportunities, says Courtney Weaver