Russia

The knock-on effects of sanctions aimed at Russia after its invasion of Ukraine are still taking a toll, lifting local currencies in Georgia and Armenia and hurting exports

The jewel in the crown of the International North-South Transport Corridor which, links Russia with the Middle East, shows new forms of co-operation bringing trade breakthroughs. It may lead to more.

Analysts fear Russia will not back down, so now is a good time for Ukraine to start a peace process before a possible Trump presidency. Zelensky's recent comments seem to reflect this mentality shift.

Turkish and Syrian security officials are rumoured to have recently met at Latakia's Hmeimim air base under Russian auspices, where some cooperation agreements were reached

The outgoing Dutch prime minister is a staunch critic of the Kremlin. His appointment foreshadows a ramping up of NATO support for Ukraine amidst its war with Russia.

Showcasing his economy's resilience despite moves to isolate it, Russia's president was keen to attract potential trade allies at an important conference in St Petersburg.

Wagner mercenaries have worked with the Rapid Support Forces for years, trading weapons for gold, but Moscow's head seems to have been turned in its quest for a Red Sea naval base.

Visits to Beijing and Moscow from President Erdoğan's chief emissary suggest either that Turkey is bluffing, or that it may soon be the first NATO member to join a group dominated by Russia and China.

Despite Biden using the occasion marking 80 years since D-Day to praise Kyiv's "bravery" in fighting Moscow, the two wars have little in common—except maybe how Russian forces were underestimated.

Ukrainian determination remains undimmed but Western arms delays, battlefield changes, and a swing in momentum means that the grinding stalemate some predicted has not come to pass.