Anton Mardasov

Can Iran's Shahed drones in Ukraine help ease tension with Russia?

Tensions that emerged after Iran summoned the Russian ambassador over Moscow's comments on disputed islands with the UAE has once again highlighted the limits of trust in bilateral relations between the two.

What's next for Wagner in Syria, Africa after Putin mutiny?

Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary army usually acted as an unofficial extension of Russian foreign policy, but many questions have arisen following last week's aborted revolt.

Sudan war complicates Russia's port plans, strains Wagner ties in Libya

Pentagon leaks about Egypt, Russia suggest Cairo's ambivalence

Pro-Russian analysts did not rule out the possibility mentioned in the Pentagon document of Egypt armament of Russia, but lack of military exercises between the two nations suggests Cairo is playing it cautious.

Why has the Kremlin upped its protocol for Syria's Assad in Russia?

Public ceremonies for the Syrian leader, in contrast to his previous secret meetings, suggest that Assad is in a stronger position to negotiate with Moscow.

Russia to expand private militaries in broader Middle East amid staffing crisis

As it wages a full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia wants to reform its army while being chronically short of security personnel, and increasingly dependent on mercenaries

Algeria forces Russia to make concessions 

As the war in Ukraine carries on, the list of problematic issues between Algeria and Moscow is growing.

Russia's use of Iranian drones in Ukraine hints at reliance on Iran

Problems equipping Russian troops with "nationally developed drones" leave Russia's military primarily operating Iranian drones.

How Moscow's campaign against Israel's Jewish Agency could backfire

Moscow’s recent campaign against a Jewish nonprofit closely affiliated with the Israeli government is likely part of a broader strategy to gain concessions from Israel in ongoing bilateral disputes — yet the plan could backfire. 

Russia eyes Port Sudan as key naval hub

Russia-Sudan ties have deepened since the October 2021 military takeover in Sudan and the Russia-Ukraine war.