Russia sanctions

The cost of electronics and household appliances in Russia may increase by 10-12 percent due to new restrictions at the Kazakh border.

The states of Central Asia were, unsurprisingly, on a recent list of possible  “transshipment points” Russia and Belarus may use to evade sanctions.

In listing an Uzbekistan-based company, the U.S. State Department has a warning: “If you do business with sanctioned entities or individuals, you risk exposure to sanctions.”

Kazakhstan stands to benefit as Russian companies look to move out of Russia in order to trade globally again.

Putin is expected to move funds through smaller banks, lean on energy sales, deal in cryptocurrency, and rely on Russia's relationship with China.

Despite its distance from Ukraine, Australia is keenly aware of the potential consequences of Russia’s aggression.

Such developments only exacerbate the challenges of managing differences in an important, complex relationship.

The emerging U.S.-China trade war will make a China-Russia axis even more likely.

Economic links between South Korea and Russia are a welcome byproduct of the inter-Korea thaw.

“A new approach is needed to shape views of the costs and benefits of cyber attacks.”

Falling oil prices and sanctions drive home the need for structural economic reform in Russia.