Russia - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

City scape of Moscow, Russian capital.

Russia

August 5, 2025

Moscow Oblast 3:29 am

19°C

Shibani and Lavrov

Analysis

Pragmatism outweighs animosity as Syrian, Russian FMs bargain at Kremlin

Despite deep-rooted tensions and clashing interests, Syria’s interim leadership and Russia are finding common ground in a mutually beneficial bid to preserve influence and stability after Assad’s fall.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani looks on as he leaves following a press conference and a meeting with French President at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on May 7, 2025. Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Paris on May 7, state media reported, on his first visit to Europe since overthrowing longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Syria FM heads to Russia in first high-level Moscow visit post Assad

As the new Syrian government looks to redefine its ties with Moscow, Russia aims to maintain its naval and air bases in Syria.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga (L) shakes hands with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Kyiv on July 23, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Tetiana DZHAFAROVA / AFP) (Photo by TETIANA DZHAFAROVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Israeli FM's Ukraine visit signals shift from Russia to anti-Iran alignment

Israel has urged Ukraine to join forces against what it estimates is a joint enemy — the Iranian government.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying Russia's Meteor-M 2-1 meteorological satellite lifts off from the launch pad at the Vostochny Cosmodrome outside the city of Uglegorsk on Nov. 28, 2017.

Analysis

Iran's new satellite launch: Aerospace leap or Russia-backed mirage?

After nearly a decade of setbacks, Iran has launched its Nahid-2 satellite aboard a Russian rocket. Touted as a milestone in homegrown aerospace, the achievement also exposes Tehran's deepening — and increasingly uneasy — dependence on Moscow.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Iran, Russia launch naval drills ahead of trilateral nuclear talks with China

This handout photo made available by the Iranian Army Office on March 12, 2025, shows navy personnel saluting aboard a Chinese military ship during a joint Iranian-Russian-Chinese drill in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran's Araghchi doubles down on China, Russia ties at Shanghai meeting

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi talks on his mobile phone ahead the family photo during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, on June 21, 2025.

Iran’s Araghchi to meet China, Russia FMs at Shanghai Cooperation meeting

Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, on April 23, 2025.

Analysis

Can China and Russia fill Iran's defense vacuum after 12-day war?

A S-200 surface-to-air missile system is on display as heavy weaponry, including ballistic missiles, air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, are showcased during an exhibition that marks the 44th anniversary of the 8-year war with Iraq, known as the "Holy Defense Week", in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran on Sept. 26, 2024.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Sharaa Putin

Russia's Putin sends letter to Sharaa offering Syria 'practical cooperation'

The letter follows Putin and Sharaa speaking on the phone in February and thousands of Syrians seeking refugee at Russia’s base in the country earlier this month.

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.

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

The Emirati mediation follows Saudi Arabia's hosting talks on the war and the UAE boosting its ties with Ukraine.

United Arab Emirates

Jableh mayor Amjad Sultan (center right) at Hmeimim Base on March 16, 2025.

Syria urges citizens sheltering at Russia’s Hmeimim base to go home: What we know

Many local residents who fled killings targeting the Alawite community are resisting the government’s efforts to get them to return home, opting to remain at a Russian air base.

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

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman walks to welcome France's President (not pictured) ahead of their meeting in Riyadh on December 2, 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron touched down in Riyadh, the capital of the oil-rich Gulf kingdom, where he was due to hold talks with de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later on December 2, an AFP journalist said. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia's MBS throws support behind Arab plan, rejects displacement of Palestinians

Saudi affirmation of the Arab League plan would also see it stepping into a broader role in the development of Gaza vis-a-vis the commitment of funds, as Gulf states are seen as the primary financiers of reconstruction.

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

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.

The Israeli flag flies in front of the Israeli embassy in Berlin, on October 20, 2024. A Libyan suspected of planning an attack on the Israeli embassy in Berlin and links to the Islamic State (IS) group will appear before a judge on October 20, 2024, German prosecutors said. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Germany arrests Russian suspect over alleged plan to attack Israeli Embassy

On Thursday, a Russian national suspected of planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy was arrested by German authorities, and in a separate incident on Friday, a stabbing occurred at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin.

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

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.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L)

Zelenskyy heads to Turkey to meet with Erdogan amid US-Russia talks

The Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey will coincide with US-Russia talks on a potential ceasefire.

France's President Emmanuel Macron (C), Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (R) and Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani pose for a group photograph during the International Conference on Syria at the Ministerial Conference Center, in Paris on February 13, 2025. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

France sees opening in Trump's USAID cuts to lead Syria humanitarian aid

The Paris conference on Syria positions France at the forefront of international efforts to support the interim regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs