Kherson to serve as Moscow's laboratory for integration of occupied territories

Russian intelligence puts down roots in Donetsk 

Firmly established in Donbas for many years, Russia's intelligence services have been gradually taking over the dense security apparatus in Donetsk.

Kremlin-linked Kiriyenkos consolidate influence over cyber and big data markets 

Anton Gerasimov's appointment as deputy head of the Ministry of Emergencies adds another link in the chain forming between the Ministry of Digitalisation and Rostelecom around presidential adviser Sergey Kiriyenko.

Pyongyang in talks with Moscow on access to Donbass 

North Korean diplomats recently attended several meetings at Russia's foreign affairs ministry to discuss their country's possible role in Donetsk and Lugansk. Pyongyang is reported to have asked for access to Western weapons seized by Moscow and to have offered civilian manpower.

• YEMEN - Ansarullah still vindictive despite truce

• RUSSIA - Temporary lease of life for top security officers

• MOLDAVIA - Transnistria, on the lookout, barricades itself

• RUSSIA - Financial intel service keeps its staff happy

Moscow's shifting security and political strategies in the Donbass 

The heavy losses suffered by its armies in Donetsk and Luhansk are forcing Moscow to review its political and security roadmap for the territories.

Kyiv and Moscow battling for control of European media narrative 

Following Russia's attack on Ukraine, information, and who controls it, has become even more vital to both sides as they try to shape the narrative on the war to their liking, with scrutiny of European media reports high in Kyiv and Moscow.