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Thursday, October 15, 2026English edition
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Russia · Country watch

Russia-China Trade Surge, Moscow Stock Rise

Russia-China trade grows over 30%; Moscow stock indices rise amid diesel deal optimism.

The picture Improving

Business conditions in Russia are improving as trade with China surges over 30%, and Moscow stock indices rise on diesel deal optimism. Energy sector faces risks from refinery attacks.

In this briefing Ukrainian Armed Forces · Russian oil refineries · Moscow Exchange · RTS Index · Russia · China

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

  • energy

Ukrainian forces strike two Russian oil refineries

traffic light show red light during daytime
Aleksandr Popov / Unsplash

Ukrainian military forces have attacked two Russian oil refineries, according to Rambler Novosti. The strikes raise concerns about energy security and potential disruptions in oil supply. The extent of the damage and its impact on production are still being assessed. The attacks highlight ongoing tensions and the risks to critical infrastructure in the region.

Impact Energy companies face potential supply disruptions and increased security risks at oil facilities.

Sources: rambler Novosti ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance
  • energy

Moscow stock indices rise 0.6% amid diesel deal optimism

The Russian stock market opened with a 0.6% increase in the Moscow Exchange and RTS indices, according to Interfax. This rise follows optimism from last week's agreement between the U.S. and Russia on diesel supplies, coupled with high oil prices as Brent futures trade above $106 per barrel. The diesel deal and strong oil prices provide a supportive backdrop for Russian equities.

Impact Investors in Russian equities see gains as stock indices rise, driven by energy sector optimism.

Sources: interfax ↗

Trade

  • energy
  • manufacturing

Russia-China trade surges 30.6% to $214.3 billion

Trade between Russia and China increased by 30.6% in the first nine months of 2026, reaching $214.3 billion, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs. This growth reflects a strengthening economic relationship between the two countries, with Russia maintaining a trade surplus of $18.16 billion, up 10.1% year-on-year. The rise is attributed to increased exports of energy and manufactured goods to China.

Impact Exporters to China benefit from increased trade volume and surplus, enhancing revenue opportunities.

Sources: Izvestia ↗, RIA ↗

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Russia

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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