Executive Summary: The Kremlin announced its decision in December 2024 to deploy the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM) to Belarus. Minsk, however, does not have complete information about the deployment parameters. One missile regiment of Russian Strategic Missile Forces equipped with 8 to 12 Oreshnik... MORE

Executive Summary: Iran and Russia signed a new comprehensive strategic agreement on January 17, serving as a comprehensive framework to build closer ties and cooperate in what the two states refer to as a just and multipolar world order. The treaty highlights expanding trade routes,... MORE

Executive Summary: The Kremlin’s decision to restrict and, in some cases, ban abortions by region rather than country-wide is leading to abortion tourism, in which women travel from one region where it is difficult to terminate pregnancies to another where it is accessible. Abortion tourism... MORE

Russia’s domestic situation continues to deteriorate as it suffers the consequences of its war against Ukraine. Despite the Kremlin’s efforts to project an image of strength, Russia is no longer the superpower it once was. This is particularly evident in the state of the Russian... MORE

Executive Summary: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reached a historic agreement on border delimitation on February 21, marking the end of decades-long disputes and military conflicts. The agreement also covers transport and water resource division, reinforcing regional stability. Officials in Bishkek and Dushanbe highlight the mutual concessions... MORE

Executive Summary: The Russian Foreign Intelligence (SVR) has been accusing the European Union of conducting influence campaigns in Georgia through funding anti-government protests. EU officials denied these claims, calling them a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining EU-Georgia relations. The ruling Georgian Dream party has escalated... MORE

Executive Summary: Russia is ramping up its military efforts—despite discussions of a ceasefire—with speculation about a second wave of mobilization. New Cossack battalions and expanded funding suggest a growing paramilitary force, indirectly increasing Russia’s mobilization potential. Several recent developments indicate that Moscow is preparing for... MORE

Executive Summary:  The Kremlin faces a serious shortage of police officers amid rising, increasingly violent crimes that are predicted to only worsen with the return of veterans of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Many Russians are taking things into their own hands as well as... MORE

Executive Summary: The Kremlin remains committed to its policy of confrontation with the West through weakening alliances and financial influence, despite Russia’s ongoing preparations for the potential end of its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow continues to stake its strategy on the expectation that BRICS countries... MORE

Executive Summary: Recent U.S., European, and Ukrainian diplomatic efforts have gained momentum while the Kremlin insists on a ceasefire that aligns entirely with Russian interests. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to dismiss U.S. threats of imposing tighter financial sanctions and tariffs against Russia, while excitement... MORE