🔴 Fewer uncomfortable truths for Putin

Hello and welcome to your essential guide to Russian politics and economics—written by Farida Rustamova and Margarita Liutova. This time, we start with a look at:

• How a sluggish economy has forced the Russian government to raise taxes;

• What lies behind the resignation of Putin confidante Dmitry Kozak? Why was it unusual? And what will his departure mean?

• Laws to tackle telephone fraud look set to make it harder to gauge what Russians think about the war in Ukraine, and the regime.

We also explain how Charlie Kirk became a hero for Russian ultra-conservatives, and a spike in repressive legislation.

⏳ This newsletter contains 1997 words – it will take about 10 minutes to read.