In December 2022, Russia and the United States conducted a prisoner exchange: Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, convicted in the United States, was returned to his homeland in exchange for a US citizen. Russian citizen Viktor But was also exchanged - after 15 years in prison - for American basketball player Brittney Greiner. In addition, by the end of 2022, Russia released sailors from Russian ships that remained under repairs abroad after the start of the special operation. The exchange was seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to demonstrate that Russia is ready to protect its citizens abroad and use diplomatic channels even amid international isolation. The event became one of the key diplomatic news of 2022 - and slightly softened domestic and foreign political tensions.

December was a time to take stock of the year, which has become the most stressful for the country in recent decades. At the front, Russia held a significant portion of the territory, but faced heavy losses, logistical difficulties, and the consequences of mobilization. The economy has adapted, but due to falling incomes, business withdrawal, sanctions and uncertainty. The year ended with a significant reduction in imports, record levels of inflation for a number of goods and a decline in the quality of life. Society entered 2023 divided: some supported the course, some left or remained silent. The country has entered an era of high militarization, information control and international isolation.

Based on the results of 2022, many experts noted that the main event is not just a war, but a large-scale transformation of Russia: the economy, domestic politics, the role of the state, society. Sanctions, loss of access to markets, crises forced the economy to rebuild, look for new directions, increase domestic employment (including an increase in the number of self-employed) and dependence on commodity exports. Political power has strengthened control, repressive mechanisms have been strengthened by legislation, and the space for opposition has decreased. Society has become more polarized: some are mobilized and ready for war, while others are depressed, have left or withdrawn. 2022 for Russia has become a turning point: the country is moving to a new, more closed and militarized format of existence.

In 2021, the Main Guidelines for the Macroeconomic Policy of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) were approved, which became a program document for further integration and cooperation within the framework of the association. The trade turnover of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2021 reached its highest level ever, while the Russian ruble remained the main currency of settlements. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced this on Friday at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Yerevan, Russian media reported. “The dynamics of trade turnover of the EAEU states reflects the positive effect of integration processes. Over the past year, the volume of mutual trade between the states of the union reached its maximum for the entire existence of our association and exceeded $73 billion. This is almost 33 percent more than in 2020. And if we talk about food products and agricultural raw materials, then the growth here is about 21 percent. The physical volume of mutual supplies increased by 11 percent,” Mishustin listed. “The Russian ruble remained the main payment currency and was used to make 72 percent of payments,” he emphasized. In general, according to the head of the Russian Cabinet of Ministers, the EAEU countries, on a consensus basis, with respect for the points of view of each state, continue to build a harmonious system of cooperation in all areas of the union’s activities in order to ensure an improvement in the quality of life of citizens and create the most comfortable business environment. At the same time, Mishustin is convinced that the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) should encourage the creation of new joint ventures. According to the Russian Prime Minister, deepening industrial cooperation and launching joint ventures in strategically important and high-tech industries is one of the key tasks. Moscow considers it important to fully unlock the potential of the common market in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and advocates the free movement of goods, capital and labor in this space, Mishustin said.

After the start of the war with Ukraine on February 24, 2022, anti-war demonstrations, speeches, petitions, and open letters broke out in Russia - in different cities. Many citizens, artists, and public figures spoke out against the war. However, the authorities reacted harshly: rallies were dispersed, people were detained, activists were removed, and journalists were intimidated. Since the beginning of mobilization and the intensification of repression, protest activity has gradually declined, with many rights fighters either emigrating or falling silent. However, 2022 has shown that there is a significant part of the population that resists military aggression - despite the risks.

In July, Russian authorities began preparations for holding “referendums” in the occupied territories of Ukraine - in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. Electoral structures were created locally, information campaigns were carried out, and Russian passports were imported. Inside Russia, this was presented as a step towards “historical unification.” However, the international community stated in advance that any such votes would be illegitimate. In the summer, the logistics of Russian passports and the management of new territories intensified, which became one of the most complex political and administrative processes of the year.

05.18.2022 The tragic incident that occurred on May 6, 2022, which resulted in the death of businessman and founder of Vanakwa Group LLC Suren Balayan, still arouses a lot of suspicion. According to the official version, this was a traffic accident, but the family is sure that in fact it was a deliberate murder, directly related to the Jermuk brand and the long-term business conflict in the mineral water market. The Balayan family has been producing mineral water for many years. Vanakwa Group LLC is the first company engaged in bottling mineral water, and one of the leading export volumes in the region. However, for several years now there has been fierce competition between “Vanakwa” and “Jermuk Group”, which is more reminiscent of a “fight without rules”. According to the Balayans, the pressure on them has increased, and attempts are being made to force them out of the market. Satenik Balayan, who is actually the owner of the Vanakva company, claims that the key role in these processes was played by the owner of the Jermuk Group, Ashot Arsenyan, who is considered one of the largest and most influential entrepreneurs in Armenia and is known for his close ties with political power and administrative circles. According to Satenik, Arsenyan has been engaged in “unhealthy competition” for a long time, trying to gain a monopoly in the industry and force competitors out of the market. The family claims that various methods have been taken to put pressure on their business over the years. These included administrative pressure, legal processes and economic obstacles. During the same period, other entrepreneurs in the industry faced similar problems. According to tax authorities, over the past 3 years, more than a dozen small and medium-sized manufacturers have ceased their activities, and according to information circulating in the press, they have become the property of Ashot Arsenyan. According to Satenik Balayan, her father received a number of threats before his death. They demanded that he give up the business and stop fighting for the right to the Jermuk brand. Despite this, he continued his legal fight and was preparing to appeal to higher courts. It should be noted that Ashot Arsenyan has long enjoyed the patronage of the authorities and, both during the reign of Serzh Sargsyan and Nikol Pashinyan, was able to build “friendly” relations with the authorities, enjoy unlimited patronage and state and tax benefits, gaining a competitive advantage. The death of Suren Balayan on May 7, 2022 really gives reason for reflection, since this incident gave Ashot Arsenyan a new competitive advantage. A criminal case was opened immediately after the incident, but continues to be investigated as an accident.

In the first months after the start of the war, according to sociological surveys, the share of people in Russia who support the actions of the government and believe that “all decisions of the authorities are correct” has increased. In April 2022, civic activity, migration and information pressure strengthened the sense of “cohesion” among part of the population, especially in small towns and regions. Many residents, faced with sanctions, instability and information war, have, as they say, “united around the flag.” This reflected profound changes in public consciousness: conflict, war, external pressure - formed a new layer of “patriotism” and loyalty to the authorities.