Inside Russia-Outside Russia is a news insight by the Federation of Russian Embassy in Bangladesh on 19.3.25
INSIDE RUSSIA
Russian economy to become ‘safe haven’ — Putin
According to the head of state, the Russian business has learned how to work in the environment of sanctions, and entrepreneurs adapted to them
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. A new spiral of economic rivalry is widening across the globe and the Russian business should be ready to it and much has to be done for the national economy to become a safe haven, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. TASS collects key statements of the head of state.
Sanctions
The Russian business has learned how to work in the environment of sanctions. Entrepreneurs adapted to them, designed and launched alternative mechanisms of cooperation with foreign partners.
Sanctions should not be perceived as temporary measures. The competitors will always have the aspiration to restrain our country, “to weaken its economic and technological capabilities.”
The West will find a different way “to put spokes into wheels” even in case of softening of anti-Russian restrictions. More sanctions were introduced against Russia than against any other countries of the world. “The Finance Ministry counted and I can confidently tell you” 28,595 sanctions against individuals and legal entities,” the Russian leader said.
Economic cooperation
The full liberty of global trade should not be expected, “it will not be as it has been before.” Western mechanisms for protection of rights of investors and businessmen cannot be relied upon
Sovereignty
Only fully sovereign countries are capable of dynamic and progressive growth in interests of their people. The majority of European countries lost their sovereignty and faced serious problems in the economy and the security sphere as a result.
Rich countries started thinking of what will be with their reserve funds kept in Western nations. Civilized legal forms exist in the West “only for itself.”
Russian economy and inflation
The cooldown of the national economy is inevitable but it should be slow. The Russian economy should become a “safe haven.” A dramatic decline in growth rates of the national economy should be prevented.
There is a need to restrain inflation and provide for a low unemployment rate in Russia.
Return of foreign companies
The Russian business skillfully used the exit of Western companies and took the niches earlier held by them.
Some Western companies want to return to Russia but interests of national companies will have the priority. A number of Western companies continued working in Russia under different brands and they will be treated with respect.
The Russian government should keep a close eye on transactions on the return of Western companies that had ‘slammed the door’ when leaving. The Cabinet was tasked to develop a procedure for the return of the Western business with the guarantee of fair commercial operations.
The Western business will not be able to repurchase their Russian operations for modest money amounts. The train is off’ for Western companies, whose niches were occupied. There will be no privileges and preferences for the ones returning.
Putin reiterates his commitment to peaceful resolution in Ukraine in phone talk with Trump
The Russian president also reiterated that ways out of the conflict should take into consideration ‘the absolute necessity of removing the root causes of the crisis’
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful resolution in Ukraine that should be sustainable and long-lasting, the Kremlin press service said in a statement following Putin’s phone conversation with US leader Donald Trump.
“Having confirmed his fundamental commitment to resolve the conflict peacefully, the Russian president stated his readiness to work together with American partners toward thoroughly exploring ways of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable settlement for the long-term,” the statement reads.
The Russian head of state also reiterated that ways out of the conflict should take into consideration “the absolute necessity of removing the root causes of the crisis, and legitimate Russian security interests.”.
Victory of common sense in Washington made Russia-US dialogue possible — diplomat
According to Andrey Kelin, it is possible that Washington may in the future ease restrictions that affect US companies and hamper their work in Russia
LONDON, March 19. /TASS/. The resumption of dialogue between Russia and the United States was made possible by the victory of common sense after US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin told Channel 4.
“It’s common sense leads Americans now to talk to Russians. But I don’t see this common sense, unfortunately, in the most of the European leaders, except of one or two. They are not guided by the common sense,” he said. “They are guided by a political necessity to continue to perform, to make impressive gestures, to talk about international politics, instead of dealing with difficult problems, internal problems that they are facing.”
According to Kelin, it is possible that Washington may in the future ease restrictions that affect US companies and hamper their work in Russia. In his opinion, “if the US would like to do business in Russia <…> then of course the bulk of it [sanctions] should be lifted,” starting with issues of money transfer.
Russia notes progress in bilateral relations with US — foreign ministry spokeswoman
Maria Zakharova also noted “attempts on the part of the United States to intensify
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russia notes the progress in bilateral relations with the United States and the new US administration’s attempts to restore ties, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said.
“We do note certain progress on the bilateral track. It is evident,” she said.
The spokeswoman also noted “attempts on the part of the United States to intensify, or, to be more precise, to raise from the ruins Russian-US diplomatic ties, destroyed by the previous administration.”.
OUTSIDE RUSSIA
Global South accounts for 80% of Rosatom’s foreign revenue — Likhachev
The Rosatom CEO said that if Western countries want to develop cooperation, it will largely be up to them to show some initiative
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Countries of the Global South make up 80% of Rosatom’s total foreign revenue, said Alexey Likhachev, CEO of the state corporation.
“Our results with the Global South are obvious. Today, 80% of Rosatom’s foreign revenue comes from the Global South, and 86% of its portfolio of foreign orders. That is, the Global South’s share is constantly increasing,” he told reporters.
Likhachev said Rosatom continues developing cooperation at a faster rate with countries of the Global South, while unfriendly countries are taking a back seat. “That is, the South is growing, gaining momentum, and Western countries are not abandoning cooperation. Of course, we are primarily focused on developing economies, on economies that are friendly to the Russian Federation today and have large growth potential,” he said.
The Rosatom CEO said that if Western countries want to develop cooperation, it will largely be up to them to show some initiative.
“This will depend very much on Western countries. At this point, their figures are at 2020 – 2021 levels. In terms of our revenue, it is about $3.7 – 4 billion,” he said.
Likhachev said that the potential return of US companies to the Russian market would not affect Rosatom’s strategic plans in any way.
“We assume that they will return, but this does not affect our strategic plans. They may or may not come back, that’s their business. Our task is certainly to fulfill the national goals set by the president, and, of course, to continue our leadership in the nuclear technology market,” concluded the head of the Russian nuclear industry.
Russia to discuss space cooperation with Musk
President Vladimir Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev has described the US-based billionaire as a “unique leader”
Russian sovereign wealth fund head Kirill Dmitriev has announced plans to talk to Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, about collaborative opportunities in the space sector.
In a statement to RIA on Tuesday, Dmitriev, who is President Vladimir Putin’s special representative for international economic and investment cooperation, said he envisions broader cooperation with Musk, emphasizing the robust capabilities of national organizations like Roscosmos and Rosatom.
”I think that there will certainly be discussions with Musk in the near future, and we believe that Musk is a unique leader who is focused on humanity moving forward together,” Dmitriev told reporters, praising the billionaire’s focus on the need to “move forward creatively.”
Earlier this month, Dmitriev also proposed that Musk launch a joint US-Russia Mars exploration mission in 2029, saying on X that “our minds and technologies should serve the glory of humanity, not its destruction.”
In his remarks on Tuesday, however, Dmitriev stressed that the idea of working together with Musk extends beyond Mars, and is about leveraging the “strong competencies of both Roscosmos and Rosatom” to make space missions more efficient and safe.
Musk has previously outlined ambitious plans for Mars, aiming to launch a mission as early as 2026. The SpaceX founder says one of the company’s Starship spacecraft will blast off for Mars next year carrying a Tesla humanoid robot called Optimus. Musk has also suggested that human landings on Mars could begin as early as 2029.
Dmitriev’s comments on future collaboration with Musk come amid improving US-Russia relations. Following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia last month, where Dmitriev was part of the Russian delegation, both sides agreed to begin work on restoring diplomatic ties and discuss potential future economic and scientific collaboration in various sectors, including space exploration.
SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE
What we know about Kiev’s thwarted provocation in Belgorod Region
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The Kiev regime has attempted an incursion into Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region in a bid to create a negative background around the phone talks between the Russian and US presidents, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the Russian defense ministry said, adding that the attempt was foiled.
Provocation
In order to create a negative background around the negotiations between the presidents of the Russian Federation and the United States on the settlement of the hostilities in Ukraine planned for the evening of 18 March 2025, the Kiev regime attempted to invade Russian territory in the morning (at 05:50) in the western part of Belgorod region near Demidovka and Prilesye to discredit the peace initiatives of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The enemy carried out five attacks during the day, the fifth attack was conducted from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Moscow time (2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. GMT).
Up to 200 Ukrainian militants and 29 combat vehicles were deployed including five tanks, 16 armored fighting vehicles, three counterobstacle vehicles, a UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, and four motor vehicles.
Repulse of the attacks
Battlegroup North border security units, artillery, and FPV drones repelled the attacks. All attempts to cross the state border were prevented. The Kiev regime’s provocation ahead of the Russian-US top-level talks was thwarted.
Ukraine’s losses
Ukraine’s losses amounted to up to 60 troops, a tank, seven armored fighting vehicles, three counterobstacle vehicles, and a motor vehicle. The remaining militants scattered, the enemy halted all attempts to attack again.
Strikes of Ukraine’s reserves
The Russian Armed Forces delivered 30 air and missile strikes as well as 13 strikes by army aviation, a strike by an Iskander tactical missile launcher and a Tornado-S MLRS, and two strikes by heavy flamethrower systems on the detected AFU clusters of manpower and materiel reserves in the 8-10 km zone (Sumy region). Forty UMPK FAB-500 aerial bombs were launched to hit the targets.
INSIGHTS
Fyodor Lukyanov: Putin and Trump usher in an era of new diplomacy
The US president sees Ukraine as a failing asset, not an ally
Just two months ago, the idea of serious negotiations between Russia and the United States over Ukraine – let alone a broader normalization of relations – seemed like utopia. Yet today, what once appeared impossible is happening. It proves that, with realism and a genuine will to achieve results, much can be accomplished. However, two extremes must be avoided: one is the illusion that everything will be resolved quickly and painlessly, and the other is the cynical belief that any agreement is fundamentally unattainable.
It is the White House that is driving this political and diplomatic effort. Russia, as it has reiterated many times, is responding to goodwill with a readiness for meaningful dialogue. Meanwhile, Western Europe is playing the role of the perennial spoiler – grumbling and obstructing – but lacking the military and political weight to stop or reverse the process. As for Ukraine, it resists, knowing its survival depends on American support. Despite its reluctance, Kiev is being told behind the scenes by its European backers that following Washington’s lead is inevitable.
Trump the deal-maker, not the ideologue
The key to understanding Washington’s approach came in Donald Trump’s now-infamous conversation with Vladimir Zelensky. When asked whether America was “on Ukraine’s side,” Trump responded that the US was not on anyone’s side – it simply wanted to end the war and achieve peace. This was a revolutionary statement. Until now, no Western politician could answer such a question without reflexively declaring full support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia. But by positioning the US as a mediator rather than a partisan backer, Trump has completely shifted the tone of American engagement.
Trump’s view of mediation is clear: pressure both sides into agreeing to a ceasefire, and then leave them to negotiate their future coexistence – perhaps without further American involvement. In reality, the latter part of the process does not interest Trump much, if at all. His camp sees the war as an unnecessary drain on US resources, a burden America doesn’t need. Their priority is to extricate the US, not to secure ideological victories or long-term commitments.
This explains why Trump is applying much harsher pressure on Ukraine than on Russia. In his eyes, Ukraine is a troubled asset with bad management at the helm – one that is bleeding American money and needs restructuring. From the standpoint of a businessman, the “major shareholder” (Washington) is demanding damage control and cost-cutting from the “management” (Zelensky and his administration). Ukraine’s leaders are being forced to make concessions where possible, but their ability to maneuver is limited.
Russia as a great power, not a dependent state
The pressure on Russia is of a different nature. Unlike Ukraine, Russia is not dependent on the US and remains a major power with its own interests. Trump’s 2017 National Security Strategy defined great power rivalry as the defining feature of modern geopolitics, and this still holds true. Moreover, Trump has long feared nuclear war – something he has spoken about publicly for decades, even before he entered politics. He blames Joe Biden for bringing the world to the brink of nuclear escalation without a clear objective. This concern acts as a moderating force in Trump’s approach to Russia. While he may exert pressure, he will avoid steps that could provoke further escalation.
At the same time, Trump’s remark about being “on no one’s side” applies to Russia as well. He is uninterested in the historical or cultural complexities of the Ukraine conflict. However, credit must be given where it is due: Trump has shown a willingness to abandon the rigid dogmas that have shaped Western policy toward Russia for years. He has taken decisive steps toward understanding Moscow’s position in a way that previous US leaders refused to do.
Trump’s negotiating style is built on pressure and brinkmanship, but ultimately, he believes a deal requires concessions from both sides. This is a businessman’s approach: force the other party to the table, hold a tough line, but ultimately hammer out an agreement that serves mutual interests.
The end of ideological hegemony
What distinguishes Trump from his predecessors is that he is not seeking global hegemony based on ideology. Unlike the liberal interventionists who preceded him, Trump has little interest in abstract ideas. He views American dominance in the world not as a matter of spreading democracy or human rights, but as the ability to secure concrete gains – especially economic ones. His approach, inherited from the business world, is pragmatic: regulatory constraints are obstacles to be bypassed rather than guiding principles. This flexibility, especially in international law and foreign policy, provides room to maneuver and opens paths that previously seemed blocked. In the context of Ukraine, it is an asset – dogmatic thinking has only led to stalemate.
However, Trump sees negotiations as a process of mutual compromise. If he believes Ukraine must make concessions, he also believes Russia must do the same. From his perspective, any deal must be reciprocal; otherwise, it is unfair. This presents both challenges and opportunities for Moscow.
Real diplomacy returns
Above all, the most important development is that real diplomacy has returned. Behind closed doors, intensive negotiations are unfolding – complex, high-stakes discussions with no predetermined outcomes. For years, diplomacy in the Western world had degenerated into a one-sided lecture: the US and its allies dictated terms, and the only question was how quickly the other side would comply. Now, that era is over. The art of real diplomacy – balancing power, recognizing mutual interests, and engaging in direct, substantive talks – is making a comeback.
For the first time in decades, Washington and Moscow are engaging as equals, navigating the complexities of power politics without the ideological baggage of the past. And that, more than anything, is what makes this moment so significant. For the first time in years, there is a real chance of finding a resolution – because finally, there are real negotiations.
