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
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
Crisis in Ukraine: the Middle East connections Also: Oman's foreign minister says dialogue is essential in dealing with Iran, Yemen and Syria; keeps focus on two-state solution. Turkey
Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system. Russia