Bloomberg: Madagascar Becomes Russia's Ally in Africa Due to Iran Conflict
Russia has intensified its engagement with Madagascar, aiming to strengthen its strategic position in Africa amidst the escalating military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Reports indicate that Russia is supplying military equipment and actively developing political ties with Madagascar's new leadership. A notable demonstration of this shift was the interim President Mikaël Randrianirina's decision to make Moscow his first international visit, bypassing France, traditionally considered the island nation's primary partner.
Further indicating deepening relations, a new pro-Russian political party has been established. This party, operating as the political wing of the "Friends of Russia" organization, actively promotes closer ties with the Russian Federation and the BRICS group of nations.
On April 1, a consignment of Russian military hardware arrived in Madagascar, personally overseen by President Randrianirina. The Minister of Armed Forces, Eli Maminirina Razafitumbou, emphasized that this Russian assistance would contribute significantly to ensuring the security of Malagasy borders and maintaining peace within the country.
Earlier, in February, presidents Vladimir Putin and Mikaël Randrianirina held discussions. During their meeting, the Russian leader recognized Madagascar as one of Moscow's key partners on the African continent and expressed a willingness to collaborate within the framework of the United Nations.
Fresh materials — Society News
Karina Cross and Hockey Player Mark Rudakovsky Exchange Vows
Blogger and TV presenter Karina Lazaryants, widely known as Karina Cross, has taken vows with hockey player Mark Rudakovsky. The ceremony was a private affair, with only the couple's closest family and friends in attendance. Karina Cross wore a white gown, while Mark Rudakovsky opted for
Russian Duma Temporarily Exempts Some Entrepreneurs from VAT
The State Duma of the Russian Federation has approved a bill in its second and third readings that will exempt entrepreneurs operating under the simplified tax system (USN) and patent tax system (PSN) from paying VAT until the end of 2026. This was announced on Tuesday, April 14. The initia
Court Finds Pichugin Guilty in Case of Two Deaths in Sea of Okhotsk
A court in Ulan-Ude has found Mikhail Pichugin, who spent 67 days drifting on a catamaran in the Sea of Okhotsk, guilty in a case concerning the deaths of two individuals. The verdict was announced by the judge of the court on Tuesday, April 14th. "Ultimately, Pichugin is sentenced to three
Deputy Panesh Reveals Who Can Receive a Lump Sum Pension of 440,000
Many Russians have the opportunity to receive their pension savings as a single lump sum payment rather than as a monthly addition. This was announced on Tuesday, April 14, by Kaplan Panesh, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Budget and Taxes. He clarified that in 2026, ci
Russia Updates Pensionable Service Calculation Rules
The Russian government has modified the rules for calculating pensionable service when determining insurance pensions. These changes, which came into effect recently, specifically impact parents of twins, large families, and individuals with rural work experience. Previously, periods of childca
Sergey Rost Explains Why "Ostrozhno, Modern!" Was Canceled: "It Became Unbearable"
The popular 1990s comedy show "Ostrozhno, Modern!" ceased to exist due to the personal ambitions of its host, Dmitry Nagiyev, according to his former co-star Sergey Rost. Rost explained that the discord stemmed from Nagiyev's unwillingness to share the success of the show with his on-scre