Russia

A coordinated attack by an Al-Qaida-linked group and Tuareg rebels was the most serious on Mali's Russian-backed military junta in years. After years of dominance, this puts Moscow on the back foot.

Moscow saw oil and gas revenue double in April and was happy to see US resources diverted away from Ukraine. But an extended war could have carried serious costs for the Kremlin.

Rising oil prices will boost the Kremlin's coffers as costs over Ukraine mount, but a total defeat of Iran could lead to the deployment of radar stations in the north, near Russia's border

The conflict has forced Russia to scale back its global footprint and NATO to boost its defence spending. Meanwhile, China and Middle powers have emerged as key beneficiaries.

Unsustainable defence spending is causing problems beyond the industry itself. As the war in Ukraine rages on, growth has slowed sharply, and few good options remain, as recession and stagnation loom.

A growing 'unreliable allies' narrative claims Russia and China are abandoning their African partners. The evidence suggests otherwise

Moscow and Tehran cooperate militarily to an extent, but bilateral trade is low, and Russia doesn't consider Iran a strategic ally

The Kremlin's economic indicators are causing unease, while smaller states in Russia's sphere of influence are eyeing opportunities to reduce their reliance on Moscow. What will the year ahead bring?

Sudan's army needs a Russian lifeline to avoid collapse in the ongoing civil war. The price is a naval facility in Port Sudan, giving Moscow access to the Red Sea.

Zelensky said he's being asked to decide between Ukraine losing its dignity or losing a key partner