Russia Expands Blacklist of EU Officials

The Russian online retailer Zolotoy Yablok has seen its internet trade grow to 35% of its turnover. The company is noted for its assortment flexibility and localization, which helped it avoid issues when Western brands departed. Zolotoy Yablok's strategy includes gamification, merchandising, and collaborations, creating a 'lounge zone' that encourages customer return. This approach is contrasted with competitors like Letual, which has closed approximately 500 stores in the past year, largely due to the rise of online commerce. Russia has expanded its blacklist of European Union officials who are banned from entering the country. This action is in response to the EU's approval of the twentieth sanctions package related to the war in Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the expansion on Monday. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the expansion of the list.