Vladimir Putin

Japan, Russia
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.

The Agencies' Gazette
SVR, DNI, GKNB, Corinte, Paris and Chinese Intelligence

Appointments, reforms, and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community from London to Paris via Bishkek.

RussiaKremlin explores new foreign policy concept

United StatesSenator Scott Young enlists DNI communications director.

FranceFrench senators point to weak representation in international organisations.

KyrgyzstanBishkek's former spymaster to head embassy in Ukraine

FranceParis wants to join international scene of Chinese intelligence analysis

France, Russia, Ukraine
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.

The Agencies' Gazette
CIS, UK counter state threats bill, Palestine-Algeria

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community from London to Paris via Moscow.

Palestine-AlgeriaMaster spy Noureddine Mekri takes a stab at Palestinian reconciliation

United KingdomChristine Lee affair sparks Tom Tugendhat's push for draft bill on counter state threats

Russia'Compatriot' think-tank receives award

Russia
Yevtushenkov Jr has grand plans in AI for Sistema

Oligarch Vladimir Yevtushenkov's heir Felix has decided to follow in his father's footsteps by working for the family empire and is betting on AI to develop the Russian conglomerate.

Russia
Kremlin takes back control of Dagestan's power grid with Iran in sight

Entwined with its goal to lock in control of the small Caucasus republic, starting with the local oligarchs who have since been ousted from the power sectors, is the Kremlin's desire to create new openings towards Iran for its national energy groups Gazprom and Rosseti.

Spotlight | China, Russia
Oligarchs close to the Kremlin look towards Beijing

With business between Beijing and Moscow openly thriving, Russian entrepreneurs with ties to the Kremlin are now increasingly using these good relations to make moves into the Chinese markets.

Spotlight | Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria
Arab Gas Pipeline deal to supply Lebanon still faces obstacles

Between complex pipeline maintenance contracts and negotiations about the lifting of sanctions against Syria, the Arab Gas Pipeline deal to supply gas to Lebanon is not yet complete. But Egypt, which is receiving some supplies from Israel's Leviathan field, is expected to start deliveries soon.

Spotlight | Russia, Ukraine
Kyiv and Moscow weaponise citizenship in battle for influence

The "Centre", the headquarters of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency, has long used compatriots for intelligence or influence operations. Ukraine has in contrast relied little on its own nationals or descendants living abroad. But Volodymyr Zelensky now intends to exploit this precious resource.

Russia, UAE
Mubadala heads further into Moscow market without RDIF

The recent acquisition of shares in petrochemical giant Sibur by Mubadala reflects the emirate's independence from its historical partner in the country, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).