
Kirill Netkachev
Columnist
Head of the Projects Department at the Analytical Center "Argument"

Columnist
Head of the Projects Department at the Analytical Center "Argument"
AnalysisChild support collections have increased 3.3-fold, but fewer than 10% of cases are actually enforced. Why courts only award the subsistence minimum, how income gets hidden, and what eliminating the three-year statute of limitations will change—a breakdown with practicing attorneys.
AnalysisAn analysis of key maritime chokepoints in the global oil trade in 2026. How the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the blockade of Bab el-Mandeb, and Panama Canal disruptions are affecting prices and logistics. Data on volumes, insurance premiums, and alternative routes.
AnalysisFraudulent call centers in Ukraine generate up to $1 billion per month for their operators. This estimate from a Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime report reveals an entire international industry with offices in business centers, above-market salaries, and customer retention departments.
AnalysisAn analysis of Russia's fuel market situation: the extension of the export ban, gasoline and diesel price dynamics, stabilization measures, and forecasts for emerging from the crisis.
AnalysisOn July 20, the Finance Ministry announced it was suspending OFZ bond auctions "to help stabilize the market situation." Behind this dry formulation lies a rare occurrence: a government that needs to borrow more than 5 trillion rubles from the market in a year has voluntarily withdrawn from that very market. We examine why the government debt market has shut down and what this means for the budget, the ruble, and the population.
AnalysisAnalysis of the aftermath of the Wildberries warehouse destruction in Elektrostal and Kotovsk: damage assessment, seller compensation, bank support measures, and the marketplace's logistics recovery forecast.
AnalysisThe day after tomorrow, on July 19, Spain will face Argentina in the final of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Donald Trump in attendance. Over 39 days, the tournament has drawn 6.5 million spectators, and FIFA has promised the host countries a $40.9 billion boost to global GDP. That's the official figure. The question is: who will actually pocket what from this money?
AnalysisA customer opens their order only to find a counterfeit item—or nothing at all. Is the seller always to blame, or are there other points in the delivery chain where the risk of substitution is higher?
AnalysisIn the first quarter of 2026, Kyrgyzstan's economy grew by 10.1%—more than any other country in the Near Abroad. During those same three months, prices there rose by 11%. In other words, every percentage point of growth has already been eaten up by inflation, and this is the main story of post-Soviet Asia this year: growing doesn't mean getting richer.
AnalysisAeroflot CEO Sergey Aleksandrovsky has promised not to raise ticket prices, even though kerosene costs for the group have risen 7% since the start of the year. Meanwhile, global aviation fuel markets have seen price spikes of up to 140% in some regions, and airlines have been pulling millions of seats from their schedules.
AnalysisAt its annual general meeting, Sber approved record dividends in its history—37.64 rubles per share. Our review covers the AGM and the bank's current position.
AnalysisFollowing Starmer's resignation in the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham is the likely next prime minister. He promises to 'get Britain off the hook' of government bonds, though the market itself barely noticed the change in power.
AnalysisAt a meeting with Sverdlovsk Governor Denis Pasler in Minsk on May 18, Alexander Lukashenko proposed to "lend a shoulder" to Russian oil refining through two modernized Belarusian refineries. The channel has actually been operating for two years, but its capacity amounts to roughly 1% of Russia's monthly gasoline consumption.
AnalysisPoland's LOT is suing Boeing for concealing 737 MAX problems, yet continues buying these aircraft. We examine the paradox of duopoly in aviation, where alternatives don't exist and delivery queues stretch a decade out.
AnalysisThe Ministry of Industry and Trade has backed the introduction of a 22% VAT on foreign online orders starting January 1, 2027—with no phase-in period. Officially, the measure aims to create a "level playing field" for Russian and foreign sellers. In reality, it amounts to hidden protectionism.
LongreadsRussia's insurance market reached a record 4 trillion rubles in 2025, yet its share of GDP remains 3-5 times lower than in OECD countries.
AnalysisHungary heads to the polls in two weeks in an election that will determine not only the country's political direction but its economic future as well. Let's examine the economic landscape Hungary brings to this moment and what could change.
LongreadsPutin has signed the 2026 budget with public debt at 14% of GDP and social spending of 19 trillion rubles. A comparison with the budget crises in Germany, France, and the United States. Pension indexation, maternity capital, and support for special military operation participants.
AnalysisAn analysis of what's driving US diesel prices to their highest levels since January 2025. The role of sanctions against Russia, geopolitical risks surrounding Venezuela and Nigeria, dependence on oil imports, and the political risks for Trump.
AnalysisHow sanctions against Lukoil and Rosneft are reshaping the oil market: why the US isn't blocking supplies but reducing Russia's profitability. Analysis of the impact on prices, the role of India and China, and consequences for Russia's budget.
AnalysisSalmon catches rose 44% in 2025, yet red caviar prices are barely budging. We break down why: from retail markups to climate risks. Plus, a price forecast for the New Year holidays.
OpinionsFNEB expert Igor Yushkov explains why Europe will be forced to pay more for LNG than Asia following the ban on Russian gas from 2026. Forecast on prices and market volatility.
AnalysisThe EU is planning a ban on Russian nuclear fuel imports, but the transition will take 10 years and cost €4-6 billion. We examine Europe's technological dependence on Russian uranium and the consequences for energy prices.
AnalysisAnalysis of the 2026 budget draft: how reducing the deficit from 2.6% to 1.6% of GDP and stabilizing borrowing creates conditions for lowering the key rate and economic growth while maintaining low public debt.
AnalysisRussia's non-alcoholic wine market is growing 60% annually, but high production costs and legislative barriers hinder development. Experts weigh in on technology, pricing, and the future of alcohol-free beverages.
AnalysisThe Finance Ministry is proposing to reduce the VAT-exempt simplified tax system threshold from 60 to 10 million rubles. We examine who will be affected by these changes, how to combat business fragmentation, and what alternatives entrepreneurs have.
LongreadsAn analysis of economic cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan: trade turnover growth to $3.55 billion, shift to national currency settlements (92%), investments through RKFR ($835 million), and competition with China ($5.5 billion) and Turkey in the region.
AnalysisWhy gold has reached record prices: central bank purchases, Russian production, consumer demand, and expert forecasts. Analysis of overheating risks and prospects for growth to $5,000 per ounce.
OpinionsWhy Russia's economy has grown by just 37% over 34 years while China has increased its GDP thirteenfold. Academician Aganbeyan analyzes the innovation gap, investment challenges, and prescribes remedies for an economic breakthrough.
AnalysisThe number of lawsuits in shared construction reached 211,000 in 2023. We examine the reasons behind the surge in homebuyer claims, the scale of 'consumer extremism,' and measures to protect both developers and buyers.
AnalysisKey agreements at EEF-2025: RusHydro to purchase 10+ million tons of coal, Rosatom to build wind and nuclear power plants in the Far East, Wildberries to invest 1.8 billion in Yakutsk. Sber forecasts 14% rate.
AnalysisAn analysis of the proposed legislation on Russian shelf space requirements for stores and marketplaces: product display mandates, price increase risks, industry expert opinions, and necessary amendments to the law.
AnalysisHow to invest in 2025: Russian experts discuss the shift from deposits to bonds and equities, gold's prospects, and cryptocurrency risks. Practical strategies for retail investors.
OpinionsAn analysis of the situation surrounding the Druzhba pipeline following drone attacks: impact on oil prices, the EU and US position, and energy security prospects for Hungary and Slovakia. Expert assessments and forecasts.
OpinionsFederal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook has been accused of mortgage fraud. Experts see this as Trump's attempt to bring the regulator to heel and oust Jerome Powell. What it means for the dollar and the markets.
AnalysisPotential outcomes of the Alaska negotiations for the aviation industry: resumption of engine supplies for Boeing and Airbus, US access to the Trans-Siberian route, and prospects for cooperation with American aircraft manufacturers.
AnalysisAn analysis of Russia's winemaking industry: production growth to 5.4 million hectoliters, vineyard expansion to 108,000 hectares, the impact of tariffs on prices, and dependence on imported equipment. Import substitution prospects and pricing dynamics.
AnalysisThe State Duma has passed legislation regulating marketplaces: a ban on discounts without seller consent, algorithm transparency, and mandatory labeling. How this will affect prices and competition between online and offline retail.
AnalysisAn analysis of the state of Russia's power sector: critical equipment deterioration, hidden problems behind the surplus balance, import dependence, and modernization plans through 2035. Why nominal capacity reserves don't guarantee energy security.