Kyiv and Moscow weaponise citizenship in battle for influence

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.

Deposed Ukrainian aircraft engine manufacturer Motor Sich chairman at heart of secret Kyiv-Moscow negotiations 

Intelligence Online has learned that Moscow is trying to recuperate the chairman of the Ukrainian aircraft engine manufacturer after his arrest by the latter's internal intelligence department for alleged collusion with the Russian state. This comes just two years after a Chinese company close to the Chinese Communist Party tried to buy the company.

Foreign ministry picks new Asia relations deputy 

After weeks of rumours and whispers in the corridors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andrey Rudenko, we have learned, should shortly be in charge of handling Russia's relations with Asia.

Armenia plans security apparatus overhaul under watchful eyes of neighbours 

Armenia's 2023 budget discussions bring back into the public debate the creation of an external intelligence service, at a time of instability in the political and security environment in the region.

Ukraine war plunges Russian embassies in Europe into uncertainty 

Moscow's diplomatic missions in Western Europe, which parrot the Kremlin line on the Ukraine conflict, remain suspended on the fate of Western embassies in the Russian capital. This is despite the fact that, the expulsions of the last few years notwithstanding, the embassies last year were boosted by the arrival of new intelligence officers.

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.

Fresh debate over remains of former Soviet spy reignites Kuril Islands dispute 

The shadow of the unresolved conflict between Tokyo and Moscow over four islands in the Pacific has become a recurring theme in Russian-Japanese relations. This has led to a series of extremely high-profile public relations exercises by Moscow, which Washington is gradually becoming embroiled in.

Donbas separatists work on building French support 

While the self-proclaimed Peoples' Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk continue to benefit from Moscow's indirect help, efforts are also underway to garner support for their recognition in France.

• PALESTINE-ALGERIA - Master spy Noureddine Mekri takes a stab at Palestinian reconciliation
  

• UNITED KINGDOM - Christine Lee affair sparks Tom Tugendhat's push for draft bill on counter state threats
  

• RUSSIA - 'Compatriot' think-tank receives award
  

SBU contract winner Altair-775 also partner of major Western cyber companies in Kyiv 

Ukrainian interceptions specialist Altair-775, which is to supply its new secure information system to Ukraine's SBU internal intelligence service, is also a leading distributor for Western companies including France's Thales group. The company is also a long-standing partner of Swiss firm Crypto AG, which is close to the CIA and other Western intelligence services.

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.

Kyiv quietly fuming over Russian memorial to Soviet-era secret agent in Crimea 

Being both head of the SVR and chairman of the Russian Historical Society puts Sergey Naryshkin in a position to reinstate a number of Soviet-era intelligence officers and in doing so furthering the Kremlin's regional strategy.

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.

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.

FSB unit moves into new facility on Black Sea 

The Russian government has sent Unit 35960, a cover for the FSB special forces, to a strategic new base were it will be able to cover south-western Crimea and the shores of the Black Sea.

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.

Before Biden weighs in, Kremlin officials tour asymmetrical war theatres 

While the US changes administration, the Kremlin has been consolidating its position as a privileged partner in US zones of interest.

Primakov Jr lands Russian soft power role 

In an appointment that is expected to be officialised by the Kremlin in the coming days, Evgeni Alexandrovitch Primakov is [...]

Nikolai Malomuzh 

Nikolai Malomuzh, who heads Ukraine's foreign intelligence agency, took part [...]