What Kommersant, RBC, Vedomosti, Interfax and Forbes Russia report — selected and summarized in English every morning, for readers who don't read Russian. Analysis-grade sourcing, no wire rehash. Data context in the Russia Terminal. Also: Central Asia Digest · Caucasus wire.
Oil prices fell sharply and pressed the ruble, while Switzerland aligned with the EU sanctions package and Moscow moved ahead with a state stake sale in Sovcomflot.
The ruble weakened on the Moscow Exchange at the open on 5 November after Brent fell 8.67% on 4 November, according to Interfax. The yuan rose 9.4 kopecks in the first minute of trading to 12.283 rubles. BCS analyst Kirill Kononov expects the ruble to hold near 80 rubles per dollar in the coming weeks, citing oil at $90-100 per barrel, and notes that the Finance Ministry will announce its November foreign-currency purchases on Thursday. For exporters and investors, the oil price remains the main driver of ruble revenue and the exchange rate.
Source: Interfax, 5 Nov 2026
The Swiss Federal Council decided on 4 November to adopt measures from the EU's 21st package against Russia and Belarus. It adds 254 individuals and entities to its sanctions lists, tightens export controls on 41 companies, including some from third countries, and bans transactions with a number of organisations, including 33 Russian banks. Sectoral measures take effect on 5 November. Companies using Swiss banking or trading channels should review counterparties against the updated lists.
Source: Interfax, 4 Nov 2026
The Finance Ministry confirmed the start of work to select an agent for the sale of a 7.8% stake (minus one share) in Sovcomflot. The state would retain control with 75% plus one share. The ministry said the timing and volume will depend on market conditions. Applications are accepted until 17 November, and bids will be opened on 18 November. The company, one of the world's largest tanker operators, carries LNG, oil and oil products; its 2020 IPO raised about 43 billion rubles.
Source: Interfax, 4 Nov 2026
The government raised import duties on spirits from unfriendly countries to 35%, with a minimum of 5 euros per litre. The previous rate was 20%, with a minimum of 3 euros per litre. The decree was signed on 31 October and applies until 31 December 2027. The explanatory note to the 2027 budget draft says the increase will add 10 billion rubles to budget revenue in 2027. Exporters of whisky, rum, gin and liqueurs to Russia face higher costs.
Source: Interfax, 4 Nov 2026
Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said a formal request to resume oil exports via the Druzhba pipeline has been passed to Russia and a reply is pending. Kazakhstan shipped 2.1 million tonnes to Germany's Schwedt refinery via Druzhba in 2025, and planned about 3 million tonnes for 2026. Russia halted transit of Kazakh oil in that direction from May. Shipments in January-April 2026 totalled 1.02 million tonnes.
Source: Interfax, 4 Nov 2026
The day's most important Russian economic stories. Free, in your inbox three times a week.
Mon, Wed, Fri. Double opt-in, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you consent to the processing of your email address as described in our Privacy Policy.