Russia

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.

Oil revenue boosting the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine comes from a fleet of ships and intermediaries designed to evade sanctions and price caps. All signs are that it is working.

The two countries' relationship goes back decades and they often see eye-to-eye, but on the issue of Russia's mercenary activities in Algeria's southerly and easterly neighbours, they are at odds.

Erast Belling, an émigré from the Bolshevik revolution, soon found himself in tune with Damascus society and helped found a rich musical tradition, both there and in Lebanon

There were dire predictions over the impact of sanctions and yet growth has increased, thanks to military spending. But there are deeper doubts over whether it can last and what lies ahead.

While Western aid might help the Ukrainians better defend themselves, the prospect of achieving victory over Russia grows less likely by the day

In Syria, Tehran-backed militias helped Assad fight rebels with air cover from the Kremlin, while in Ukraine Putin flies Iranian drones at Kyiv. Best friends? Not quite. This alliance is complex.

No longer a 'special military operation', Moscow has fired a warning shot to the West over its involvement in Ukraine ahead of fierce fighting expected this spring.

The Ukraine war was a reaction to Western refusal to negotiate with Russia on what it viewed as threats to its security. NATO needs to decide if a drawn-out war is worth the effort.

Channelling the heavyweights of Russia's past, the current president sees it as his job to "retake" territory he deems to be Russian. It is a fundamental part of who he is.