Russia has signed a landmark weapons deal with France for the purchase of two Mistral class amphibious assault ships, which will strengthen the Russian Navy’s capabilities for power projection.

With Turkey’s accession negotiations for EU membership going nowhere, Ankara is pursuing other diplomatic options.

With Russia hosting three major world sporting events in the next eight years, it is hoped that there would be a massive infusion of capital to boost the country’s infrastructure and upgrade the transport and tourism sectors.

The Skolkova initiative is part of Russia’s attempt to develop a robust national innovation system and a knowledge based economy.