Russia

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation backs Iran's future membership

Leaders of the eight-member bloc attending a summit in Tajikistan did not announce a timeline for Tehran's membership of the multilateral alliance.

Mali's plan to host Russia's Wagner mercenaries worries Germany

Germany warns Mali's military rulers a deal with the notorious Wagner group would "call into question" its deployment in the West African country as part of UN and EU missions.

Putin hosts Assad as the two sides eye Syria’s consolidation

Despite international sanctions and condemnation, the Russia-backed Assad regime is exploring ways to take back opposition and rebel-held territory where millions of displaced Syrians reside.

Russia: Will not participate in Taliban government inauguration

Speaker of Russia's upper house of parliament said earlier this week that Russia would be represented at the inauguration by ambassador-level officials, RIA news agency reported.

Russia's Gazprom completes Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction

Energy giant Gazprom announces completion of controversial subsea pipeline to Germany that will allow Moscow to increase its gas exporting capability and bypass Ukraine.

Why war and corruption are inseparable

From Syria to Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan, the most corrupt states are also torn apart by political conflicts, showing the strong connection between the two.

What are the limits of Russia’s Taliban engagement?

Moscow has cautiously embraced the newly re-created Islamic Emirate, but terrorism and regional security issues remain concerns.

How Iran-Taliban ties are shaping up post-US-pullout from Afghanistan

By decreasing sectarian tensions, a changing Taliban and post-revolution Iran, the two anti-American neighbours, have shown signs of goodwill to each other in recent years.

Biden gives no assurance to Ukraine's Zelensky on NATO membership

But the US president has assured his administration's support to Ukraine in face of Russian aggression.

Why violence is escalating in Syria

Despite the Syrian regime escalating tensions across Idlib and Daraa, experts do not expect a large-scale operation against opposition forces.

Syria opposition, regime agree to Russia-brokered ceasefire in Daraa

The agreement brokered by Russia requires the regime to lift the siege on Daraa’s Al Balad neighbourhood, which has been heavily bombarded by Assad forces in recent days in an attempt to seize control of it.

Syria regime shelling kills civilian in Daraa after talks collapse

Russia has been mediating a new deal to end the recent fighting in Daraa under which opposition groups who reject the deal will have to leave the region.