Konstantin Zatulin courts compatriots abroad with new bill

Russian soft power services and agencies promote Russian unity in North Caucasus and Crimea 

Away from the military front, Russia and Ukraine are also waging an influence war, with Moscow trying to foster loyalty to the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus ethnic Muslim republics.

US intelligence got confirmation of Russia's plans to invade Ukraine on 18 January 

After regular alerts over a two-month period, American intelligence services were able to corroborate their suspicions about Russia's intentions towards Ukraine on 18 January. It was on this date that Washington was finally able to assemble the trail of clues left by Moscow into a coherent whole.

Russian influence activists got busy behind recognition of Donbas republics 

The champions of Russia's protection of its "compatriots" - Russian-speaking descendants of the USSR that Moscow is trying to reconquer or keep in its cultural fold - were going all-out to support Moscow's latest moves in Ukraine.

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NIIRK spymasters scrutinise Baltic and Central Asian countries via state media 

NIIRK, the small scientific research centre made up of ex-KGB agents is making assessment of "communication flows" a central priority. It is examining these in the three Baltic countries and five Central Asian states where Moscow is trying to push its narratives using soft power tools, such as the Rossotrudnichestvo and state media outlets.

Russian Geographical Society sets up in Paris under the aegis of soft power experts 

For the inauguration of its new centre in Paris headed by academic Darya Loyola, the powerful Russian Geographical Society called in experts in Russian-French relations, as well as professional promoters of Russian policy for compatriots abroad.

Abdo Romeo Abdo, the Lebanese businessman housing Minsk's elite 

The happy new owner of MTBank, which he bought off oligarch Alexei Oleksin now under EU sanctions, has managed to elbow himself into Minsk's tight-knit elite business circle thanks to some powerful alliances.

Moscow looks for second wind amid Donbass troubles  Free

The Kremlin is reviewing its oversight of the two breakaway "republics" in the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine, which are dealing with difficult economic conditions. It is continuing to rely on its longstanding allies there but is testing new rallying cries.

Sacked intelligence chief under US sanctions calls out Russian influence 

On the interim government's advice, President Rumen Radev has made a string of dismissals as the country heads into the 11 July elections. Those sacked included top intelligence officers who are ready to denounce Russian influence in the country, along with political opposition led by former prime minister Boyko Borisov.

German groups in Crimea provide pathway between Berlin and Moscow 

A surprising meeting between Crimean MPs and a mysterious German delegation sheds some light on the Russian networks in associations defending the interests of Crimea's German population.

Pro-Russian faction and ex-FSB agents ramp up pressure on Chisinau 

Making the most of the Chisinau government's instability, Moscow is taking steps ahead of the elections that could see its allies chased out of parliament and can count on its embedded political-security relays to help with the task.

Evgeni Primakov Jr renews Russian soft power as head of Rossotrudnichestvo 

An influence tool and relay of Moscow's intelligence apparatus, the Rossotrudnichestvo, Moscow's cultural relations arm, is seeking new opportunities.

SVR continues to handle relations with Russia's close neighbours 

Igor Maslov, who served in the SVR, was appointed to [...]