Zakharova Warns of Deteriorating Russia-EU Relations on Non-Recognition of Duma Elections

LOCAL NEWS

• Russian FM Spox Zakharova says Russia-EU relations will be "seriously harmed" if the European Parliament does nor recognise state Duma elections. Follows the report released earlier this week recommending that EU states do not recognise the Duma elections as legitimate
• Team Navalny heavily backs communist candidates ahead of Duma elections after finally publishing its list of 1,234 preferred candidates – with virtually all of his allies cut out of the voting process.
  • They are followed by members of the Nationalist Liberal democracy party , A Just Russia, For Truth & Patriots of Russia parties
• Putin calls on Russians to vote in Duma elections and hopes they will demonstrate a responsible, well-balanced, patriotic position to elect lawmakers who will work in the country's interest.
  • 108m Russians have registered & 2m abroad while 413k observers will be monitoring with 250 internationals from 55 countries
• Producers of metals and mineral fertilizers, which are threatened by a multiple increase of mineral extraction tax (MET), suggested that the government instead levy a higher income tax from them, but adjusted for the size of investments and dividends
• Lavrov points to NATO's infrastructure closing in on Russia & Belarus' borders – saying their actions to hold drills in fledgling NATO countries serve to push aggressive actions against Russia.
  • This goes against an agreement stipulating against a significant build-up of military forces in new NATO members during peace time