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Maria Girich, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented to Rossiyskaya Gazeta on a parliamentary initiative to ban the use of chemical reagents in pedestrian areas. The expert confirmed that such a ban is a justified measure, as chemicals cause serious damage to city lawns and water bodies, accumulating in snow dumps and entering the ecosystem after melting.

Antonina Levashenko, Head of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for Izvestia on the prospects of economic cooperation between Russia and the US in case of thaw in relations, noting several key areas for potential investment.

In the context of the agreement signed on December 1, 2025, between Russia and Saudi Arabia on mutual visa waiver, which is expected to be launched in the coming months,Olga Magomedova, Researcher of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented to Vedomosti on the prospects for developing touristic industry in the Kingdom. The expert recalled that tourism development in Saudi Arabia is taking place amid the large-scale Vision 2030 program, aimed at reducing the economy's dependence on oil.

Antonina Levashenko, Head of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, in a commentary for the Prime described the composition of Russia's state awards. According to the expert, the two highest insignia are crafted using the rare and expensive 950-carat gold, which is almost never found in the jewelry industry.

Kirill Chernovol, Researcher of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for the RBC on the study by German economists on the impact of the VAT increase on the labor market and assessed the prospects of using these conclusions in Russia’s economy.

Evgeny Goryunov, Head of Monetary Policy Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for RBC on Russia's balance of payments situation and the outlook for the ruble exchange rate.

Europe may face a new round of gas price increases and a serious energy crisis next winter if it fails to replenish its underground storage facilities in time. This opinion was expressed in a comment for TASS by Anastasia Levchenko, Researcher at the Gaidar Institute's Industrial Organization and Infrastructure Economics Department. The expert analyzed the situation on the European gas market and warned of the risks associated with record gas consumption rates this winter.

Anastasia Levchenko, Researcher at Industrial Organization and Infrastructure Economics Department of the Gaidar Institute, commented for TASS on Ukraine's decision to suspend crude oil transit and Slovakia's subsequent threats to cut off electricity supplies. In her analysis, the expert concluded that the situation surrounding the pipeline had moved from hidden contradictions to an acute phase.

Antonina Levashenko, Head of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, assessed the prospects for possible cooperation between Russia and the US in the field of high technology in a comment for TASS. According to the expert, joint projects between the two countries on the construction of data centers and the development of rare earth metals (REM) are promising in terms of the growth in demand for data center capacity.

The increase in the retirement age in Russia, which is taking place between 2019 and 2028, was a necessary response to demographic changes and has generally helped to stabilize the budget system, but it carries serious social risks. This is the conclusion reached by Angelina Shpilevaya , Researcher at the Gaidar Institute's Mathematical Modeling of Economic Processes Department, who presented the results of a study on the macroeconomic consequences of the reform.

Maria Girich, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, took part in the program RBC “Denj. Glavnoye”, where she commented on the competitiveness of the Russian nuclear industry in the context of rapid development of the economies of Asian countries, in particular China.

Maria Girich, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented to Forbes on the situation in the global uranium market. In her research, the expert considered the reasons for price fluctuations, the industry's prospects, and Russia's position amid sanctions restrictions.

Denis Ternovsky, Expert at the Economic Policy Foundation, commented for TASS on the dynamics of changes in the affordability of foods for Russians over the previous 40 years. He cited data proving a significant increase in purchasing power for basic products.

Evgeniy Goryunov, Head of the Monetary Policy Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for Rossiyskaya Gazeta on the Bank of Russia's decision to lower the key rate to 15.5% per annum at its meeting on February 13, 2026, which was unexpected for most analysts.

Maria Girich, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for Vedomosti on the new realities of intellectual property protection in trade. Following the departure of western brands and the rise of parallel imports, Russian businesses have faced increased legal risks, requiring companies to reconsider their strategies.

Margarita Kropocheva, Researcher of the Mathematical Modelling of Economic Processes Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for Vzglyad on the Russia’s plans to increase the fleet of industrial robots.