If the West really wants to force Russia to stop the war, it needs to focus on military build-up — not just economic action
Russia is testing NATO’s defences through drone incursions and hybrid tactics, seeking to limit support for Ukraine and reshape Europe’s political landscape
Russia’s Far East remains key to its Eastern strategy — but faces demographic decline, weak returns, and dependence on China despite major state investment
Russia presents itself as China’s equal, but behind the rhetoric lies asymmetry: growing dependence, limited trust, and China’s rising dominance in Central Asia
Russia, Iran, and Türkiye face rising US, EU, and Chinese influence in the South Caucasus, as shifting alliances and energy ties reshape the region
Putin approaches the Alaska talks convinced the balance favours him, yet signalling readiness for tactical concessions to cement control of occupied territories and seek sanctions relief
Donald Trump is betting on a deal over Ukrainian land – but Russia's leader has far bigger plans
Moscow sees Trump’s vulnerability as a chance to explore a settlement in Ukraine while maintaining strategic advantage
While the Kremlin understands the strategic risks of direct conflict with NATO, it sees the Alliance’s current institutional and political fragmentation as an opportunity to intensify pressure by hybrid means
Russia is losing its grip on the South Caucasus as Azerbaijan distances itself from Moscow – with wider implications
The flexible, albeit unequal Sino-Russian partnership endures, defying US hopes of a split, as Trump-era turmoil deepens the two countries’ shared interest
NATO pledges 5% GDP defence spend by 2035, sparking Kremlin fears of a widening military gap and fuelling Moscow’s bid to exploit Western divisions
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