Russia-Ukraine crisis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump met in Hague, Netherlands on the sidelines of NATO’s leaders summit, June 25 2025.

Trump, Erdogan hold first meeting at NATO as ties warm: What to know

The first meeting between the two leaders since Trump's return to office focused on the Iran-Israel ceasefire, the Ukraine war and bilateral ties.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrive for a documents signing ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Vyacheslav PROKOFYEV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by VYACHESLAV PROKOFYEV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Can Russia broker Iran-Israel deal as Putin looks to divert West from Ukraine?

A mediating role between Tehran and Tel Aviv could help the Kremlin boost its credentials as well as turn attention away from ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kasia A. Houghton

By Kasia A. Houghton

TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 15: People observe fire and smoke from an Israeli attack on the Shahran oil depot on June 15, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Iran's foreign minister said the country would respond "decisively and proportionally" to a wave of attacks that Israel launched beginning in the early hours of June 13. The attacks targeted multiple military, scientific and residential locations, as well as senior government officials. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)

Analysis

As Israel-Iran strikes escalate, Russia weighs risks and opportunities

With evacuations underway and investments at risk, the Kremlin still sees a chance to benefit by boosting gas exports and mediating US-Iran talks.

Nikita Smagin

By Nikita Smagin

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (2R), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2L) and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak (R) attend the Turkiye-US-Ukraine Trilateral meeting as Ukrainian, American and Russian delegates meet for peace talks at the office of Turkish President in Dolmabahce Palace on May 16, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey’s Fidan in Russia as Trump accuses Putin of ‘needless’ killing in Ukraine

The top Turkish diplomat’s Moscow visit follows Istanbul peace talks and the US president's rare criticism of the Russian leader.

Latest News

Trump may visit Turkey Thursday for Erdogan’s Russia-Ukraine talks

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Qatar and Russia to up investment by $2B as emir visits Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Kremlin in Moscow, on April 17, 2025.

UAE brokers Ukraine-Russia swap for 350 prisoners: What we know

People hold placards as they ride in a convoy of vehicles during a rally held by relatives and friends of Ukrainian prisoners of war, as they call for their exchange with Russian prisoners, in Kyiv on March 9, 2025.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Ukraine ceasefire showcases Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role under Trump

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 10.

Jennifer Gnana

By Rosaleen Carroll , Jennifer Gnana

Two giant election banners showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shaking hands with US President Donald Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin and a caption reading "Netanyahu, in another league," Tel Aviv, July 28, 2019.

Analysis

Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know

Regional shifts, especially involving Iran, Syria and Turkey, are forcing Israel to reevaluate its complicated relations with Russia.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, speaks to the press outside of the White House on March 6, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Saudi Arabia to host US-Ukraine talks on ending war with Russia

A US delegation is set to be in Saudi Arabia next week, as confirmed by Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in an effort to establish an initial ceasefire as well as a framework for a future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Voladymyr Zelenskyy meets with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 17, 2025.

Analysis

Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline

Gulf countries find themselves in a difficult position as they navigate placating Trump, maintaining good relations with Russia, and engaging with Ukraine while also providing mediation and humanitarian aid.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands after attending a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Feb. 18, 2025.

Analysis

After Istanbul meeting, what role for Turkey in a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire?

Turkey may be open to providing security guarantees for Ukraine but remains hesitant about deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Lavrov and Thani

In Qatar, Russia's Lavrov rejects European force in Ukraine, pushes for Syria access

During the visit, Russia and Qatar agreed to step up cooperation via a gas forum and their sovereign wealth funds and discussed the political transitions in Syria and Lebanon.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov looks on as he attends a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara on February 24, 2025. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP) (Photo by ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images)

After Saudi Arabia, Turkey to host US-Russia talks Thursday: What to know

Thursday’s US-Russia talks in Turkey come as Ankara seeks to assert its role as a facilitator in US-Russia and Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov in Tehran: Russia seeks leverage in US-Iran standoff

The Iranian foreign minister addressed the issue after talks with his Russian counterpart, amid worries in Tehran that Moscow's recent closeness with Washington may undermine Iran's interests.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Feb. 24, 2025.

Lavrov in Turkey, praises Trump as Ankara offers to host Russia-Ukraine talks

As Ankara seeks a role in potential Ukraine-Russia peace talks, the top Russian diplomat paid a visit to Turkey less than a week after the Ukrainian president's trip to Ankara.

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds flowers next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they meet at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 30, 2020. (Photo by MAXIM SHEMETOV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MAXIM SHEMETOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Will US-Russia rapprochement increase odds of Israel striking Iran?

Israeli leaders hope the thaw in relations will lead Moscow to stem strategic cooperation with Tehran, leaving Iran vulnerable to an attack on its nuclear facilities after a US green light.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) walks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as they meet at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 19, 2025.

UAE conveys frustrations to US' top diplomat Rubio over Gaza, Ukraine

Arab states have grown increasingly frustrated over the US administration's rhetoric about displacing 2.1 million Gazans from the enclave.

United Arab Emirates

A US Air Force B-52 aircraft in Sakhir, Bahrain, on Nov. 13, 2024.

Pentagon sends B-52 bombers over Middle East as US aims to pressure Iran

The US military signals continuity in the region as Saudi Arabia hosts Trump’s push for a dramatic reset with Russia over the Ukraine war.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

TOPSHOT - (L to R) US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting together at Riyadh's Diriyah Palace on February 18, 2025. Top US and Russian diplomats were meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for talks on res

US-Russia talks conclude in Saudi Arabia, most high-level meeting since 2023: What to know

The US State Department said one purpose of the talks was to “reestablish” bilateral relations with Russia as Saudi Arabia seeks to mediate between the two.