Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy Lebanon, Israel begin 7th round of talks in Rome; Turkey calls on Russia, Ukraine to ensure Black Sea safety after drone attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport Trump taps Russia-born investor to oversee TRIPP; France-Morocco energy cooperation grows as heat waves pressure Europe; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russian couple faces deportation from Turkey after Bible reading at Hagia Sophia The couple were detained after reading from the Bible inside the Istanbul landmark, which remains one of Christianity’s most important historic sites despite its conversion into a mosque. Turkey
Analysis From S-400s to SAMP/T: Turkey’s defense pivot gathers pace after NATO summit By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran hits Gulf, warns Hormuz will reopen on its terms By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Pentagon: Russia recruiting Syrians to fight in Ukraine The Kremlin appears to be shifting tactics as it meets stiff Western-backed resistance in Ukraine. Russia
Sudan remains open to naval base deal with Russia A top Sudanese general's weeklong visit to Moscow has raised the stakes for US officials pushing for democracy in Khartoum. North Africa
Will Russia turn to Syrian mercenaries for its Ukraine fight? Evidence is emerging that the Syrian government and its Russian military partners are recruiting Syrian fighters for potential deployment to the former Soviet state. Syria
Analysis The Takeaway: Ukraine war looms over Iran nuclear talks, energy markets More on the Ukraine War from Israel, Russia, Lebanon and Gaza; Nile Dam crisis escalates … all in less than 1,100 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Facing Western isolation over Ukraine, Russia looks to Mideast, Islamic world As sanctions against Russia continue to increase, Moscow will likely focus on states in the Islamic world and the Middle East for support — but even this window may be closing. Russia
Analysis Russian invasion of Ukraine scrambles Middle East diplomacy Update from Moscow; US calls on regional allies for support against Russian attack on Ukraine; some facts on Russia. By Week in Review
Russia voices support for new Libyan PM Moscow is throwing its support behind new Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha and its belief that he can "unite Libyan society." Russia
Russia's experience in Syria informs approach to Ukraine, NATO The opportunity to field-test its next-generation weapons systems in recent years has emboldened the Kremlin to raise the stakes in Ukraine, and so has experience in brinkmanship with Turkey over Syria. Syria
Belarus leader denies Russian claims about sending troops to Syria Belarus’ leader has said a Russian government document claiming an agreement with Moscow to send Belarusian troops to Syria is false. Syria
Russian invasion of Ukraine would spell more economic turbulence for Turkey War would bring Turkey under intense pressure from its Western allies to join putative sanctions against Russia, a critical trading partner and supplier of natural gas. Turkey
As Russia menaces Ukraine, Crimea's Tatars turn to Turkey Complex ties stretch across centuries and continents, but Turkey's affinity for its ethnic kin is taking a backseat to global relations with Russia. Turkey
Ankara reassures Moscow on eve of Erdogan’s Ukraine visit With its president set to visit Ukraine, Turkey has reassured Russia by reiterating its commitment for a key maritime treaty safeguarding Russia's rights in the Black Sea. Turkey