The reputation of the Russia private military contractors' capability to contain violent extremism and ensure regime stability in Syria is one of the reasons why African States abstained from voting on the resolution condemning Russia invasion of Ukraine.

Within four years (2015 to 2019) Russia has concluded security bilateral agreements with 21 African countries.

Author: Max Boot

Putin's "barbaric" invasion of Ukraine is the culmination of more than two decades of "Sovietization" under Putin's regime.

Over the past two decades, Putin and his allies have structured nearly every core element of the Russian state with an eye toward limiting threats to the regime. Putin has arrested or killed leading dissidents, instilled fear in the general public, and made the country’s leadership class dependent on his goodwill for their continued prosperity.

Russian journalists are not reporting on a war, or even an invasion or attack. The state requires them to label it a “ special operation”, designed to protect the country’s security in the face of an expanding Nato alliance. Any news organisations deviating from the government’s playbook have been ordered to close by Russian authorities. Meanwhile, access to independent sources of news online and across social media platforms have been significantly cut off by the Russian government.

The reasons behind Iran’s refusal to condemn Russian aggression can be traced to Iran’s ties with Russia during the past few decades, its increasingly strained relationship with the West, and developments across the Middle East.

Generally speaking, Iran never condemns Russia’s foreign aggressions, but at the same time, never recognises the territories Moscow brings under control either ( 2008 Georgian war, Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, and eastern Ukraine.)

The case of India’s refusal to condemn Russian aggression reflects New Delhi’s reliance on its Cold War ally for energy, weapons and support in conflicts with neighbors.

In the past, India depended on Soviet support and its veto power in the Security Council in its dispute over Kashmir with its longtime rival Pakistan.

Algeria was among 35 nations to abstain in response to a resolution condemning Russia's "aggression against Ukraine" and demanding that Russia immediately withdraw its forces. Algeria's ambassador echoed that vote with a lukewarm statement promoting "efforts and diplomatic calls aiming at de-escalating the current situation and adopting dialogue."

1. Accor: 55 locations in Russia
2. Air Liquide: 18 industrial plants and 700 employees
3. Air Products: 2 offices, 130 staff and a plant in the Rostov region
4. Asus:
5. Auchan: $ 3.5 billion in revenue from Russia
6. Authentic Brands Group- Reebok
7. Baker Hughes: Russian partnerships
8. Baker Tilley: Subsidiary with 400 employees in Russia
9. BBDO: Clients include Rosbank
10. Bosch: At least $ 1.3 billion of revenue from Russia
11. Cargill: Continuing essentials, $ 1.1 bn investment, 2,500 staff

Since the invasion of Ukraine began, 400 companies have announced their withdrawal from Russia but some companies have continued to operate in Russia undeterred. 

1)147 companies have completely halted Russian engagements

2) 173 companies have companies have temporarily curtailed operations while keeping return options open 

3) 70 companies have scaled back some but not all operations, or delayed  investments 

4) 37 companies are defying demands for exit/reduction of activities