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Stay ahead in the energy transition with SFA (Oxford)’s cutting-edge insights into how Russia’s vast critical mineral reserves, geopolitical tensions, and ESG risks are redefining global supply chain strategies and energy security planning.

Russia's international economic, trade, and security alliances

Russia's energy and power mix

Critical Minerals production in Russia

Derived and processed Critical Minerals products and recycling in Russia

Energy Raw Materials and products produced in Russia

The administration zones in Russia

Federal cities

Russia's federal cities, Moscow and Saint Petersburg, are distinguished entities within the nation's administrative framework, reflecting their paramount importance in historical, cultural, and political terms. Moscow, the capital, stands as the heart of the Russian government and the epicentre of its economic and social life, hosting the nation's leading institutions, multinational corporations, and a vibrant cultural scene. Saint Petersburg, often referred to as Russia's cultural capital, is renowned for its majestic architecture, historic sites, and extensive network of canals, embodying a unique blend of Russian and European heritage. Both cities are not just centres of power and culture but also hubs of innovation and education, driving the country's development forward and playing a critical role in its international relations. Their status as federal cities underscores their unparalleled significance in shaping Russia's identity, policy direction, and place on the world stage.

Oblasts (Provinces)

Territories (Krais)

In Russia, a krai is a significant administrative division, akin to a territory, that plays a vital role in the nation's governance, economy, and cultural landscape. These regions are characterised by their vast geographical expanse, encompassing a variety of natural environments from dense forests and towering mountains to expansive plains and river basins. Krais often serve as important economic hubs due to their abundant natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas, as well as their agricultural and industrial capacities. The administrative structure of a krai is designed to manage its diverse needs, from local governance to economic development, making each krai unique in its contribution to Russia's overall prosperity and cultural richness. With their strategic importance and rich natural resources, krais are integral to Russia's efforts in exploring renewable energy potentials and securing critical minerals for the global market, underscoring their pivotal role in Russia's present and future.

The Republics

Republics in Russia are federal subjects with a high degree of autonomy, including their own constitutions and governments. They were established to acknowledge the cultural and ethnic diversity within Russia, allowing ethnic minorities to exercise greater cultural, educational, and sometimes linguistic autonomy. Each republic is meant to serve as the homeland for a specific ethnic group, although in practice, many republics are ethnically diverse.

There are 22 republics in Russia, each with its unique cultural heritage and often its official language in addition to Russian. These republics can set their official languages and enact legislation that reflects their cultural and ethnic identities.

Autonomous Okrug (Circuits)

In Russia, autonomous Okrugs, or Autonomous Circuits, are federal subjects designed to acknowledge and manage the unique cultural, social, and economic characteristics of indigenous and minority populations within their territories. These regions, often situated in remote parts of the country, are granted a degree of autonomy that allows them to preserve their traditional ways of life, languages, and cultural heritage. The governance of these okrugs is tailored to support the specific needs of their communities, balancing local traditions with the broader objectives of the Russian Federation. Rich in natural resources, many Autonomous Okrugs play a crucial role in Russia's economy, especially in the energy sector, contributing significantly to the nation's oil and gas production. This unique blend of autonomy, cultural preservation, and economic importance makes Autonomous Okrugs indispensable to understanding Russia's diversity and its regional governance and development approach.

Autonomous Oblast

The Jewish Autonomous Oblast, situated in the Russian Far East near the China border, stands as a unique federal subject within Russia's administrative landscape. Established in the 1920s to create a homeland for Jewish people within the Soviet Union, it represents a unique historical experiment in autonomy and cultural identity. Though the Jewish population today constitutes a small minority of the Oblast's total inhabitants, the region retains its distinct status and cultural heritage. The capital, Birobidzhan, is known for its Yiddish influences, including street signs and public institutions, preserving Jewish culture. The Jewish Autonomous Oblast's existence attempts to accommodate diverse cultural identities within its vast territories, making it an intriguing example of cultural autonomy and historical significance in the Russian Federation.

Russia-Ukraine war

Essential minerals production and products in Russia

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