Baltic traders ensuring continued export of industrial equipment to Russia

• FRANCE - DGSE goes green to justify pricey new head office.

• BAHRAIN/OMAN - Cybersecurity dominates cooperation talks between Manama and Mascat.

• LITHUANIA - Anti-money laundering veteran takes helm of foreign ministry's 'sanctions' group.

• ISRAEL/SYRIA - Tsahal seeks new targets from Syrian skies.

Iran and Russia finalise fresh drone deal 

Moscow and Tehran are finalising a new deal for four distinct classes of drone systems already used in Russia's war on Ukraine. Both countries continue to deny these deliveries, despite 'leaks' from Iranian officials.

Isolated Moscow revives industrial and academic relations with Pyongyang 

Ater a break of two years caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Moscow wants to resume a series of joint industrial projects with its Asian neighbour, while staying within the tight restrictions imposed by the United Nations.

Kazakhstan's oil and gas sectors in turmoil amid tensions with Moscow over Caspian 

The futures of Kazakh Timur Kulibayev and Indian Arvind Tiku, two energy tycoons, are going their separate ways. Meanwhile, in Nur-Sultan, there is growing concern about the immediate future of the sector in the country.

Armoured vehicle maker Streit symbolises Russia-UAE defence industry ties 

Guerman Goutorov, head of the Ras Al Khaimah-based Streit Group, one of the world's largest armoured vehicle manufacturers, has reorientated his activities since the war in Ukraine and is counting on support from Putin's inner circle and the UAE authorities to help him break into new markets in Africa.

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.