Saudi crown prince meets Russia's Lavrov at GCC meetings in Riyadh Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of GCC ministerial meetings in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian President Abbas meets Erdogan ahead of speech to Turkey's parliament Abbas’ visit to Turkey comes at a critical time as it remains unclear how relations between the Palestinian Authority and its rival, Hamas, will evolve under Yahya Sinwar's leadership. Turkey
Attacks on churches, synagogues in Russia’s Dagestan: What we know The incident follows a major ISIS attack in Moscow in March. Russia
Putin meets Fidan, 'fully supports' Turkey’s aspirations in BRICS The first bilateral meeting between Putin and Fidan saw the Russian leader embrace Ankara's interest in joining the BRICS as a counterweight to the West. Turkey
Battle for Idlib draws near as sides take position Russia is conducting air raids on several areas in Idlib while the Syrian government shells de-escalation zones. Syria
Russian major general killed in roadside bomb in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor Maj. Gen. Vyacheslav Gladkikh is the first Russian general reported killed in Syria since 2017. Syria
Moscow boosts ties with Tehran as US-Iran tensions escalate While Iran and Russia are trying to limit US influence in the Middle East, the United States lacks the leverage to counter China’s and Russia’s growing influence in the region. Russia
Full-fledged military escalation looms large in Idlib Developments in southern Idlib suggest that a five-month truce could soon come to an end with a fresh regime offensive to capture Syria’s last rebel stronghold. Syria
Intel: Syria to build Hagia Sophia replica with Russian backing With support from Russian officials and the Orthodox Church, Syria will begin construction on a small-scale replica of the Hagia Sophia that will serve as an Orthodox cathedral. Syria
Moscow, Damascus shadowbox in Syria’s grey zones The newest twist in Syria involves a Russian-backed military group working to carve out an autonomous zone for itself in the southwest and even clashing with regime forces, perhaps paradoxically seeking to boost regime's legitimacy. Syria
Egypt acquires Russian fighter jets despite US warning Russian media outlets reported that a first batch of the Su-35 fighter jets are en route to Egypt as part of a 2018 deal over which Washington threatened Cairo with sanctions. Egypt
Turkey untroubled by conflict with Egypt, UAE in Libya Ankara believes a large-scale Egyptian ground operation is highly unlikely in Libya, considering the likely dynamics of power struggles in the skies of Sirte and al-Jufra, between tribes in southern Libya and on air and naval logistical routes between Libya and Turkey. Egypt
Intel: Russia may be reinforcing Libya’s Sirte ahead of expected offensive The US military has released new aerial surveillance images purporting to show additional Russian military equipment in Libya in the latest sign the Kremlin may be gearing up to help Gen. Khalifa Hifter defend the strategic city of Sirte. Turkey
Turkey, Russia agree to work for truce in Libya as regional rivalry heats up Despite backing opposing sides, Moscow and Russia have pledged to work toward a cease-fire in the North African country in a conflict that is fueling a complex maze of rivalries across the region. Turkey
Iran talks long-term partnership deal with Russia To mitigate the impacts of the unrelenting US “maximum pressure” policy, Iran seems to be seeking solutions in clinching long-term partnership deals with allies. Russia
Intel: House passes bill forcing Trump to sanction Turkey over Russian missiles The House passed legislation today that would force President Donald Trump to slap sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. Turkey