Putin says Moscow ready to use Mideast fighters in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed the idea of sending volunteer fighters to Ukraine, though there are good reasons for Moscow to refrain from bringing them in from Syria and elsewhere.

Russia

Analysis

The Takeaway: Russia, Iran major cyberthreats targeting US, says intel community

Turkey as alternative European gas route; Russian Syrian mercenaries in Ukraine; Palestinians claim double-standard in Western response to Ukraine; Egypt balances US, Russia in dealing with Ukraine war.

By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell

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