Title: Russia Uses Online Gambling in Occupied Territories to Fund Ukraine War Story: Moscow- Russian authorities in territories temporarily occupied by Russia have introduced a "legalization" framework for online gambling, directing about 30 percent of the revenue to the Russian state to support the war against Ukraine. The initiative is backed by Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and overseen by President Vladimir Putin's chief of staff Serghei Kirienko. The system channels payments through Russian banking networks, with a share kept in opaque occupation budgets and the rest sent to Moscow. Analysts estimate the online gambling market exceeds 3 trillion rubles annually, providing a lucrative revenue stream for the Kremlin. Ukrainian resistance groups say the scheme exploits the local population, forcing them to use Russian payment systems. The move is part of broader efforts to consolidate financial control over occupied areas and circumvent international sanctions. Category: International Tags: War, Politics, Economy, Defense Countries: Russia, Ukraine Cities: Moscow Persons: Anton Siluanov, Serghei Kirienko, Vladimir Putin Sentiment: Negative

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