Russia
Putin arrives in Tajikistan for meetings with Central Asia, CIS leaders
Calls made for Tajiks to arrest Russian leader under international court warrant, but Dushanbe remains strategic ally of Kremlin.
Poland and Baltic states deride former German chancellor Merkel for Ukraine war comments
Angela Merkel’s comments on Eastern European resistance to her diplomatic overtures towards Moscow before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered strong reactions in Poland and the Baltic states.
Russia struggles to restore gas payments to Moldova’s separatist Transnistria region
Russia is seeking a new intermediary to facilitate payments for natural gas deliveries to Transnistria after European banks reportedly blocked financial transfers routed through Dubai.
Kremlin resists Tomahawk transfers as Ukraine seeks long-range strike capability
Institute for the Study of War says Kremlin is fearful that expanded long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine would erode the sanctuary Russia currently enjoys in its rear.
EU nears decision on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine as divisions persist on new sanctions
Ukraine's allies warn that interest earnings from the frozen funds will not be enough to sustain its economy if the war continues into 2027.
Afghanistan tightens control over Russian, Belarusian agents claims Ukrainian Intelligence
Afghanistan's Taliban-led government is intensifying efforts to monitor and restrict the activities of Russian and Belarusian operatives within its borders, according to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service.
Ukraine general alleges Russia employs 20,000 North Koreans in military production
North Korea has long been among Russia’s more controversial allies in the war against Ukraine, supplying artillery, missiles and troops. In late 2024, Pyongyang reportedly deployed 11,000 to 12,000 troops to aid Russia.
Russia’s oil and gas revenues fall 25% in September, deficit seen rising
Moscow faces fiscal pressures as it grapples with declining energy income and rising spending.
LONG READ: Trade is the glue that holds Global Emerging Markets Institutions together
The world order is changing. The emerging markets are coming of age and they are setting up a raft of largely non-Western Global Emerging Markets Institutions (GEMIs) to coordinate their lives. Trade is the glue that binds them together.
Putin accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace and calls Nato a ‘paper tiger’
At Valdai Discussion Club, Russian president also accuses Ukraine of endangering the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and threatens retaliation against Ukrainian reactors.
Ukraine cuts ties with Nicaragua over occupied territories recognition
Ukraine has severed diplomatic relations with Nicaragua after the Central American nation formally recognised Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territories.
US reportedly to share intelligence with Ukraine for long-range strikes on Russian energy sites
US to provide Ukraine with intelligence support for long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as Trump shifts stance, with Tomahawk missiles under consideration.
LONG READ: The GEMIs, the Global Emerging Markets' interlocking institutions
The international order is breaking up as the Global Emerging Markets build a raft of new non-Western interlocking international institutions to run their vision of a new multipolar world order.
Russian manufacturing PMI slump deepens in September as new orders and exports tumble
Russia’s manufacturing sector deteriorated further in September, marking the fourth consecutive month of contraction, as both domestic and foreign demand weakened, S&P Global reported on September 30.
Ukraine's receipt of Israeli missiles part of Israel's greater geopolitical plot
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his country received a Patriot air defence system from Israel
UK companies lost $70bn from sanctions on Russia
British businesses have lost nearly $70bn between 2022 and 2024 as a result of their withdrawal from the Russian market, according to a survey of public sources and annual reports, the Russian state-owned media reports.
Russia plans new “anti-fraud” restrictions on RuNet use
The Russian government has unveiled a sweeping package of draft legislation billed as a crackdown on online fraud, but rights groups warn it will significantly expand state surveillance powers and online repression, Meduza reported on September 30.
Russia’s debt service costs swelling due to high interest rates
Russia’s debt servicing costs are swelling, despite the low level of debt, thanks to sky high interest rates, the Ministry of Finance (MinFin) said on September 29.
Russia could use UN Security Council presidency to destabilise Bosnia, ISW warns
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia will use its United Nations Security Council presidency to “review the implementation of the Dayton Accords”, indicating Kremlin aims to create instability in the Balkans.