Summary
What's been happening in Russian politics in January 2025? A lot.
Russia started 2025 off with a loss in gas imports and advancements in the Ukraine-Russian war. This month also marked the beginning of Trump’s second term as President of the United States and the subsequent future Trump-Putin relations.
January 1: Russian gas stops flowing to EU states
After transporting gas to EU states since 1991 via Ukraine, it has now come to a stop as a five-year trade deal expired.
Russian gas imports have been decreasing since the war in Ukraine. Russian gas went from 40 per cent of European imported gas in 2021 to 10 per cent in 2023.
Several EU countries, like Austria and Slovakia, continue to depend on Russian gas imports, with Russia earning about €5bn ($5.2bn, £4.2bn) a year from it.
The Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico, warned that the deal would have “drastic” consequences for EU countries but not for Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country would not allow Russia to “earn additional billions on our blood”.
January 7: Russia captures the front-line town of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region
For months, the town of Kurakhove had been faced with Russian advances and is a stepping-stone to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk. Kurakhove is 35km (21 miles) south of Pokrovsk.
The capturing of Kurakhove by the Russian forces will allow them to attack Pokrovsk from a new direction, according to analyst Roman Pohorily.
January 7: Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas
While the majority of Christians celebrate Christmas Day on December 25, much of the world’s 200 million orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7.
Why January 7? Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, unlike the majority of Christian denominations which follow the Georgian calendar.
Millions of Russians celebrated Christmas on this date, including President Vladimir Putin who observed the festive celebration at Moscow St. George’s church.
January 20: Russia Reacts to Trump’s Inauguration
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration, pledging to elevate bilateral ties.
Calling Xi a “dear friend,” Putin emphasised building relations based on “friendship, mutual trust, and support” despite external pressures. Xi urged deeper strategic coordination and mutual support.
Trump has previously threatened tariffs on China, labelling it “an abuser,” and warned Moscow of “big trouble” unless it resolves the Ukraine war.
Trade between Russia and China hit a record $240 billion in 2023, a 64 per cent increase since 2021.
Featured Image Credit: Edward Jewsbury.