Russia’s state-backed bank navigating sanctions, inflation and strategic risk
The Times of Israel reports that the strengthening shekel is raising costs for Israeli tech firms and forcing some to cut costs, shift hiring abroad, and consider relocating R&D. Authorities are under pressure to support exporters and startups as the currency remains strong and inflation risks stay elevated.
Ukraine’s drone campaign has targeted Wildberries’ warehouses across Russia, striking key logistics hubs in the Moscow region and Tambov, with casualties and significant disruption to the retailer’s network. The attacks have prompted Wildberries to adjust compensation policies while experts warn of substantial economic fallout for small businesses and the broader Russian online marketplace.
Since July 18 Ukraine has struck multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, causing fires, deaths and major stock losses. The campaign has put at least 1.5 million sq m of warehouse space out of operation, forced evacuations and pushed merchants toward bankruptcy. Wildberries and Russia are discussing compensation and possible state support.
Russia faces continued drone campaigns targeting oil refineries and logistics hubs. A government decree expands state involvement in damaged infrastructure to secure safety and speed repairs, while Kyiv presses for deeper strikes on Moscow's capabilities. The move signals a push to protect critical assets amid sustained pressure.
Russia has held a three-day parliamentary election from Sept. 18–20 that is set to return a United Russia-dominated State Duma. Most anti-war candidates were barred, the liberal Yabloko party was disqualified from the nationwide list, voting is being held in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, and Moscow reported large drone attacks and a sustained cyberattack on electronic voting in the capital.