Russia
Eurasian Economic Union planning operational changes
Kremlin-led group wants to be more like Brussels.
Russia aiding North Korea’s submarine programme: Seoul
The revelation lends weight to long-standing suspicions that Moscow is exchanging military know-how for munitions, manpower, or other support in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
Russia's PMI indices plummet as economy cools
Russia’s private sector entered deeper contraction in September, as both services and manufacturing activity declined, according to the latest PMI data published by S&P Global.
Havana rejects US claims over Cuban fighters in Russia's ranks in Ukraine
Cuba's Foreign Ministry has denied allegations from Washington regarding Cuban military participation in Ukraine, as diplomatic tensions ratchet up over recruitment schemes that have allegedly sent thousands of nationals to fight for Russia.
770,000 migrants told to leave Russia
Deportation regime activated for largely Central Asian nationals amid crackdown critics describe as xenophobic.
COMMENT: Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian refineries have probably reduced throughput by 30.4%, less than headline figures suggest
Ukraine has been hitting Russian refineries and caused a fuel crisis that has spead across multiple regions. The headline figure is that oil refining has been reduced by 38% since August, but digging into it and the reduction is likely less.
Putin pushes Central Asia for North-South trade corridor steps, analyst notes Kremlin’s “Turkic bloc” anxiety
To Moscow, “the fact that the Turks are united is alarming,” he says.
MACRO ADVISORY: The unintended consequences of Western sanctions
Since 2014, Western nations have hit Russia with a total of 26,655 sanctions (to mid-September 2025), with 23,960 coming after February 2022. The largest target group, with 13,611 sanctions, is state officials, business owners, and oligarchs.
Saudia launches flights from Riyadh to Moscow in boost for Russian tourism
Saudi Arabia's Saudia launches Riyadh-Moscow flights on October 10, joining budget carrier Flynas as Russia welcomed 52,400 Saudi tourists in 2024, five times previous year's level.
Baku touts reset in ties after Azerbaijan’s president Aliyev meets Putin in Dushanbe
Russian president detailed causes of Azerbaijan Airlines plane downing over Russian airspace at one-on-one meeting.
Putin calls for Central Asia to boost trade with Russia
With Moscow preoccupied by Ukraine, China has raced ahead in building up commerce and investment with the region. Other powers are also looking for bigger pieces of the pie.
US sanctions on Serbian oil company NIS take effect
Sanctions imposed by the United States on Serbia’s sole oil refiner, NIS, took effect on October 9, ending months of postponements and raising fears of fuel shortages and wider economic disruption.
The only way to stop Russia is by force, Poland’s Foreign Minister Sikorski argues
Moscow will not negotiate in good faith until it faces clear limits on its military and economic options, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski argued in an essay published by the New York Times.
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.