Valery Afanasyev

Leads the assessment of political and regulatory risks, and the development of strategies for government relations. Specializes in analyzing political, regulatory, and institutional factors affecting corporate interests in heavily regulated industries.

As a Partner, coordinates integrated projects for Russian and international companies, including analysis of socio-political and regulatory frameworks, development and implementation of GR strategies, and engagement with government and supranational institutions.

His macro-regional expertise covers Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Actively contributes to the professional community: speaks at industry forums and conferences, organizes educational programs and case competitions on GR and lobbying, and collaborates with universities and expert platforms.

Previously worked as an analyst and editor at TASS and AGT Communications Group.

Graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University with a degree in Political science. Completed an advanced professional program "PR and Lobbying in Business and NGOs" at MGIMO University of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a program "Project Management" at the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO.

Biography

publications

10.08.2026

Developing E-Commerce Regulation in the EAEU

Valery Afanasyev contributed to a Baikal Lobridge study examining key EAEU initiatives at the supranational level, their current status, the main areas of regulatory development, and their potential implications for business.

04.06.2026

Foreign Investment in Russia: Between Control and Incentives

Baikal Lobridge has released an analytical report examining the emergence of a dual-track foreign investment regulation model in Russia.

26.04.2026

Study on the Dynamics of Regional Authorities’ Powers in Russia

Valery Afanasyev contributed to a Baikal Lobridge study on the transformation of the distribution of powers between the federal center and the regions from 2016 to 2026.

25.01.2026

Baikal Lobridge Presents the Results of a Study on the Role of GR for CEOs

On the role of government relations in executive decision-making — study contribution by Valery Afanasyev.

11.02.2026

FAS Approves New Method for Calculating Markups on Essential Medicines

On the updated pricing framework for essential medicines and expanded regional authority — commentary by Valery Afanasyev.

15.12.2025

The High-Base Effect: Implications of the Phase-Out of Large-Scale State Support for the Agro-Industrial Complex

On the reduction of state support for the agro-industrial sector — article by Valery Afanasyev for Agroinvestor.

05.12.2025

Baikal Lobridge Experts Analyze Key Changes in the Regulation of the Dietary Supplements Market in 2025

On regulatory transformation in Russia’s dietary supplements market — analytical report by Valery Afanasyev and Zhanna Logacheva for Retail.ru.

20.11.2025

The Government of the Russian Federation Has Approved the Rules for Additional Financing of Regional Procurement of Orphan Medicinal Products

On new co-financing rules for regional procurement of orphan drugs — commentary by Valery Afanasyev for Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

20.10.2025

EEC to Update Pharmaceutical Registration Rules in the EAEU

On upcoming changes to pharmaceutical registration procedures — commentary by Valery Afanasyev for Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

13.10.2025

The Ministry of Health Establishes New Rules for Interaction Between Healthcare Professionals and Dietary Supplement Manufacturers

On updated interaction rules between physicians and supplement producers — commentary by Valery Afanasyev for Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

10.10.2025

The Ministry of Health Introduces New Requirements for Medical and Pharmaceutical Education

On new regulatory requirements for medical and pharmaceutical training — commentary by Valery Afanasyev.

Awards and ratings

2026

Kommersant Legal Ranking
Recognized in the legal services market

Laureate of the ranking in the category “Environmental Law” (Band 1)

2025

Rating of Russian lawyers:
the best in law 2025

Recognized among leading practitioners in Government Relations (GR), as well as in the special category “Legal Educators.”

2026

Communication Force Award

The Baikal Lobridge and MGIMO School of Business professional development course “GR and Lobbying in Business and Non-Profit Organizations” won the Communication Force Awards in the “Government Relations / GR” category, receiving the “Educational and Outreach Project of the Year” award.

2026

PROBA

Baikal Lobridge's project "Government Relations and Lobbying Case Championship" became the winner in the "Agencies" category in the "Talent Development" nomination.