The Dushanbe meetings, which occurred from October 8th to 10th, 2025, led to a collaborative set of political, security, and economic commitments within the Russia–Central Asia and CIS frameworks, resulting in 19 signed documents and the creation of a “CIS Plus” model.
This report examines the recent meeting in Kabul between Mullah Baradar and representatives of Russian companies focused on investments in the mining sector.
Russian sources report the field testing of a new kinetic anti‑drone device designated “Izdelie‑545”. This system’s purpose is to neutralise drones within a 100–150 meter range using a projectile that interferes with their communication and control systems.
The International Forum on “Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories,” convened in Makhachkala on 1–3 October 2025, constitutes a significant demonstration of Moscow’s intent to promote Dagestan’s economy and integrate the North Caucasian republic into multilateral Eurasian frameworks.
This report provides an assessment of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) military exercise “Rubezh-2025”, held in Kyrgyzstan from 17 to 20 September 2025.
Russia and Belarus conducted the joint strategic exercise “Zapad-2025” from 12 to 16 September across 41 land and maritime training areas in both countries.
This report examines the geopolitical significance of the tenth Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), convened on September 3, 2025, in Vladivostok.
This report analyses the geopolitical significance of the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.
From 1 to 5 August 2025, the Russian Pacific Fleet and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) are conducting a bilateral naval exercise entitled Maritime Interaction – 2025 in the Sea of Japan/East Sea.
The Central Asia Economic Forum (CAEF), held in Dushanbe in July 2025, confirmed Russia’s desire to preserve and expand its regional influence through business and cultural diplomacy.
Uzbekistan concluded a week-long joint military exercise with the Russian Federation, named Hamkorlik-2025, from 15 to 21 July 2025 in Surxondaryo Region.
This report assesses the strategic credibility, practical feasibility, and geopolitical implications of the planned Chinese investment trip to Chechnya in July 2025.
Russia and Iran’s joint naval exercise, CASAREX 2025, in the Caspian Sea, strongly asserts their military presence in the strategically important region.
Geopolitics in the Caucasus is constantly shifting, showing both division and lasting patterns. Despite pressure and diplomatic confrontation, particularly with Azerbaijan and Armenia, Russia retains influence in the South Caucasus through economic and cultural ties.
North Korea has significantly enhanced its economic position through unprecedented military and economic collaboration with the Russian Federation.
This report examines recent developments in Dagestan, focusing on security operations, public policy initiatives, and strategic infrastructure projects.
This report analyses Moscow’s recent public support for Armenia’s legal system and stability, assesses how Yerevan’s pro-EU policies affect trade and defence cooperation between the two countries.
This report examines the temporary suspension of multiple OSINT Telegram channels, with a focus on those affiliated with Ukraine, alongside the disruption of various Telegram and WhatsApp accounts, and assesses the resulting geopolitical and intelligence implications.
This report analyses the current state and plans for Russia-Kazakhstan economic cooperation, as discussed at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum’s business dialogue.
This report assesses the strategic direction and geopolitical relevance of the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), scheduled from 18 to 21 June 2025.
Within the larger context of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, this report studies Russia’s current geopolitical manoeuvring in the Arab and Muslim world. Russia could use the conflict to strengthen ties with Arab and Muslim nations.
This report outlines the contents of a leaked eight-page planning document by the FSB’s Department of Counterintelligence Operations (DKRO), which describes China as a significant intelligence threat to the Russian Federation.
This report provides an analytical assessment of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) based on developments presented at the Kavkaz Investment Forum 2025, recent macroeconomic data, and ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
This report analyses Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Yerevan, examining the strategic messaging underpinning Moscow’s diplomatic posture towards Armenia and the broader South Caucasus.
The report examines Tatarstan’s political, economic, and security landscape in Russia’s outreach to Muslim-majority states. KazanForum 2025 demonstrates Moscow’s shift toward non-Western partnerships, with Tatarstan acting as a facilitator of these relations.
This report evaluates the recent armed attack in Makhachkala within the broader context of persistent terrorist activity in the Republic of Dagestan. It assesses the tactical and strategic implications of recent violence targeting security forces and the state’s response capacity.
This report briefly describes the recent terrorist threats in Russia in April 2025 and underlines that international jihadist networks, aided by online propaganda and transnational collaboration, still create a persistent and multifaceted terrorist threat.
This report examines Armenia’s shifting foreign policy orientation, using recent remarks made by the President of the Armenian Business Association Samvel Karapetyan at a Moscow business forum as an entry point for broader analysis. Karapetyan’s public concerns about the economic fallout of exiting the EAEU come at a critical moment in Yerevan’s recalibration of its strategic posture, with ongoing efforts to align more closely with the EU.
The eighth ministerial meeting between Russia and the five Central Asian states, held in Almaty on April 11, 2025, highlights Moscow’s ongoing efforts to consolidate strategic influence across its southern periphery. This report wants to assess the status of Russia-Central Asia relations and Moscow’s strategy to exploit multilateralism and security cooperation to influence Central Asian republics and counter the recent first EU-Central Asia summit.
This report focuses on recent developments in the geopolitical dynamics between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, with a particular emphasis on Moscow’s efforts to reinstate its cultural influence in the South Caucasus. Russia’s waning influence in Armenia and Azerbaijan’s increasing alignment with Western powers provide the context for understanding these actions.
This report examines the significance of Russian cultural diplomacy in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, and Rossotrudnichestvo’s contribution to the Kremlin’s regional aims. The report also analyses the “cultural geopolitical game” in the region involving regional and international actors.
The recent Arctic forum organised in Murmansk highlighted Russia’s strategic focus on expanding its economic and military presence in the region. Moscow seeks long-term infrastructure and resource development while asserting its dominance over the Northern Sea Route.
This report examines the strategic importance of the North Caucasus region for Russia, focusing on its role as a critical energy transit hub and local energy production area. Following the Ukraine conflict and the rising energy demands, the enhancement of energy infrastructure, including both local and transnational oil and gas pipelines, has become a key focus of the Kremlin policy.
The appointment of Alexander Darchiev as Russia’s ambassador to the United States marks a pivotal moment in Moscow’s diplomatic strategy. Amidst the current high tensions, his position and experience at the Russian Foreign Ministry suggest he may strive to improve, rather than damage, U.S.-Russia relations.
The report analyses recent economic and diplomatic activities involving the Orenburg Region of Russia and Iran, focusing on the deepening ties and joint cooperation opportunities. On February 21st-24th, 2025, a delegation representing Russia’s Oregon region, headed by Vice-Governor Ignat Petukhov, took part in the international EURASIA EXPO-2025 exhibition in Tehran.
This report analyses the influence of the Ukrainian conflict on Moscow and Beijing’s economic-military relations and their respective perspectives the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.
In 2024, Russia successfully recovered approximately 570 billion rubles ($6.3 billion) in assets previously frozen by Western nations because of the ongoing geopolitical conflict. Even with its successes, the substantial amount of Russia’s reserves frozen, primarily in the EU, remains a significant threat to its financial health.
This report examines the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine and NATO, particularly considering Donald Trump’s return to the White House. It analyses how the current U.S. Administration, characterised by reduced overseas commitments, fiscal conservatism, and scepticism towards allied burden-sharing, could reshape transatlantic security.
This report analyses President Vladimir Putin’s Defender of the Fatherland Day address (23 February 2025), which reinforces key narratives legitimising Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, strengthening domestic resolve, and projecting historical continuity.
This report aims at assessing the activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Central Asia, its perspectives and challenges.
SpecialEurasia met with Mark Youngman to discuss his recent report “Terrorism and counterterrorism in the North Caucasus: 2024 trends” considering his vast experience as an open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst and independent researcher.
Russia is expanding its military footprint in Libya, focusing on the Maaten Al Sarra airbase near the Chadian and Sudanese borders. This action shows a strategic reorientation by Moscow toward the Sahel, resulting from challenges encountered in Syria.
The January 26th, 2025, presidential election in Belarus resulted in Alexander Lukashenko extending his 31-year rule. Western governments have widely criticised the electoral process, citing the absence of free and fair conditions. The election took place against the backdrop of heightened political repression, lack of opposition candidates, and Belarus’ deepening alignment with Russia.
This report aims at underlining the North Caucasus Federal District’s positive trends and the local challenges which might undermine regional stability and the Kremlin’s efforts to improve the socioeconomic conditions.
The recent phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reviewed Armenia’s presidency of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and outline future cooperation within the bloc.
This report, based on local and international sources and SpecialEurasia’ previous investigations, analyse Putin-Pezeshkian’s meeting and the impact of an increasing Russia-Iran’s cooperation in the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
SpecialEurasia had an exclusive conversation with Alexander Hoffmann, a Military Adviser from the Russian Federation. His analysis sheds light on the Kremlin’s military, diplomatic, and strategic recalibrations, offering a comprehensive perspective on Russia’s current and future approach in Syria and the broader Middle East.
This report explores Russia’s influence in Kyrgyzstan, concentrating on economic, military, and socio-cultural ties while acknowledging the competition from regional players like China and Turkey.
The China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor (CMREC) initiative, set for deployment in the latter half of the 2020s, represents a trilateral ambition to fortify regional economic integration and elevate transnational trade efficiency across Eurasia.
Russia continues to pursue an assertive development agenda in the Arctic, emphasising the region’s economic potential and strategic significance for national security. This strategy includes expanding infrastructure, fostering private investment, and enhancing transport routes, specifically the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
The following report investigates the role of the “REBUS 2024” forum in Tatarstan as a catalyst for expanding Sino-Russian economic ties and regional cooperation.
This report assesses the diplomatic roles of key Russian regional leaders in advancing Moscow’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in their engagements with the Arab-Muslim world and Far East, and to evaluate the strategic implications of their increasing involvement in international relations.
North Korea’s choice to send troops to support Russia in Ukraine is a significant change in global dynamics that could affect security in Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
On October 29th, 2024, a UAV attack targeted the Russian University of Special Forces (RUS) in Gudermes, Chechnya, resulting in a fire on the roof of an unoccupied building.
This report investigates the “Rubezh-2024” military exercise occurred in Tajikistan, focusing on its implications for Moscowʼs regional military and foreign policies in Central Asia. The exercise facilitates the transfer of combat experience from Russian military personnel, drawn from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This report evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) surrounding Russia’s newly launched Islamic banking pilot programme. Started in September 2023, the programme seeks to assess the feasibility of Islamic financial services across Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Chechnya, and Dagestan.
This report seeks to outline the historical and socioeconomic features of Kalmykia and examine its potential contribution to Moscow’s logistics strategy in the Caspian Sea region.
This report investigates the upcoming forum “North Caucasus: New Geostrategic Opportunities” scheduled on 4-5 October 2024. The forum aims to examine the strategic potential of the NorthCaucasus in Russia’s global strategy, focusing on infrastructure, regional growth, and human capital.
This report analyses the recent developments in Dagestan, focusing on Moscow’s strategic interests in the republic and the geopolitical significance of the North Caucasus. It highlights the visit of Yuri Chaika, the Russian President’s representative in the North Caucasus, to Dagestan, and assesses the importance of the recent meeting between Dagestani authorities and an Indian delegation.
An analysis of the Eastern Economic Forum’s business program highlights that Russia is strengthening the strategic eastern vector of its geopolitics, outlining a large-scale program for the development of its eastern territories and comprehensively strengthening ties with the leading actors of the Global South.
This report examines recent naval counter-divergence training exercises and tactical developments conducted by Russian forces in the Baltic and Black Sea regions. This report aims to provide an assessment of current naval capabilities, strategic implications, and future outlooks for the involved regions.
The recent counter-terrorism operations in Ingushetia and Adygea underscore the persistent threat of terrorism within Russia and the government’s ongoing efforts to neutralise such threats.
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is nearing the final phase of its preparation for a series of joint military exercises scheduled for September and October 2024. This report aims to detail the current state of preparedness of the CSTO’s management bodies and force formations.
This report analyses recent developments in the bilateral relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, focusing on the outcomes of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to Baku and its implications for regional geopolitics.
The recent defence pact established between Russia and North Korea represents a notable escalation in Eurasian geopolitical dynamics, carrying the potential for wide-ranging consequences. Following the signing of this agreement, according to Seoul’s sources, there is the eventuality that Pyongyang will deploy military engineering units to support Russian forces in the Ukrainian conflict.
On June 19th, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a landmark visit to Pyongyang, marking his first visit to North Korea in almost a quarter-century. This visit signifies a deepening of the already complex and strategic relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, driven by mutual geopolitical interests and a shared opposition to U.S. influence.
This report provides an analysis of recent terrorist incidents within the Russian Federation, focusing on the mutiny at a provincial detention centre in Rostov-on-Don and its connection with the Islamic State.
Russia is bolstering its energy relations with India through a strategic partnership involving Iran for coal exports, leveraging the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to facilitate coal exports.
Russia is gearing up to host the SPIEF 2024, a pivotal annual event that unites Russia’s business partners and provides a platform for bilateral agreements while addressing current global issues. Kazakhstan will participate in the event, aiming to strengthen its established partnerships with Moscow and Beijing and to forge new connections with the growing economies of Asia.
The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping is of paramount importance in the current international landscape. Despite the regularity of their encounters, this visit holds unique significance, because both Moscow and Beijing want to send a powerful message to the international community about their enduring strategic partnership amidst global challenges.
This assessment delves into the recent reshuffle within the Russian government, focusing on the replacement of long-serving Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu with economist Andrei Belousov. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical, political, economic, and social factors, this report aims to provide insights into the implications of these changes for Russia’s strategic landscape.
This report examines the implications of April’s meeting between Tatarstan and Turkish representatives and highlights Tatarstan’s role in foresting Moscow’ foreign relation and, simultaneously, remaining a key economic and political asset in the Russian hands.
The upcoming Kavkaz Investment Forum in Chechnya presents an opportunity to highlight the economic potential of the North Caucasus region. Recent years have seen robust socio-economic growth, but challenges remain, including over-reliance on tourism and external geopolitical pressures.
Recent developments show significant shifts in transportation and trade routes linking Europe, Asia, and the Persian Gulf. Russia’s investment in transport corridors through Iran and the Arctic, alongside developments in the Turkmenbashi port, signifies a strategic move to reshape regional trade dynamics.
The resurgence of Islamist radical activity in the North Caucasus region, particularly attributed to the Ingush Jamaat of the Islamic State Wilayat Kavkaz, poses a significant threat to regional stability and security.
Russia and Tajikistan are currently engaged in joint counterterrorism exercises, which have become even more crucial because of the rise in terrorist activities in Afghanistan. This partnership between Moscow and Dushanbe highlights their commitment to enhancing military and defence cooperation.
On April 8th, 2024, the Al Azaim Foundation released The Voice of Khurasan Issue 34 titled “The Bear Bewildered.” This publication analysed the recent terrorist attacks in Moscow defined as a ‘retaliation’ and serves as a call to action aimed at mobilising the Muslim Ummah against perceived Western invasions and advocating for the restoration of the Caliphate.
Developing and improving the socioeconomic conditions in the Far East is of utmost importance for the Russian Federation, as it offers a substantial opportunity for economic growth and strategic influence. In this scenario, although Beijing might be one of the key investors in the region, there is also the possibility of a conflict between Russia and China for the control and influence of the Far East’s regional dynamics and economic market.
The landscape of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kyrgyzstan highlights the China-Russia competition in the Central Asian republic with China emerging as the principal investor, surpassing Russia and Kazakhstan.
The devastating terrorist attack that occurred in Moscow on March 22nd, 2024, resulting in 147 casualties and hundreds injured, has starkly emphasised the urgent need to combat terrorism, particularly in the face of the escalating influence of the Islamic State within the spectrum of jihadist groups. This report seeks to address several key questions pertaining to the attack and its implications for Russia.
The terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism within Russia. The indiscriminate violence unleashed by unknown assailants resulted in 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of civilian gatherings and cultural institutions to extremist acts.
The recent memorandum of understanding of human rights cooperation between Russia and Senegal has marked a significant milestone in their cooperation, highlighting Moscow’s growing interests in the African country.
In the heart of Russia’s political fervour, SpecialEurasia embarks on an official visit to Moscow, the epicentre of the Russian Federation. With the pivotal juncture we are currently facing, characterised by the imminent presidential elections, our team is actively involved in a multitude of endeavours that center on comprehending the intricate dynamics of Russia’s domestic and global affairs.
The upcoming Russian presidential elections, scheduled for March 15th-17th, 2024, are a pivotal moment in the nation’s domestic politics. Despite Western claims of irregularities, these elections represent a significant opportunity for Vladimir Putin to reaffirm his leadership and governance.
FSB special forces’ counter-terrorism operation in Ingushetia stressed Russia’s readiness and strategy to counter the terrorist threat and jihadist propaganda’s impact in those regions as the North Caucasus mainly inhabited by Muslims.
Recent Transnistria’s appeal for protection to Russia has elevated the regional geopolitical risk, underscoring the precarious situation in Moldova. Transnistria, also known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), has sought Moscow’s aid in response to alleged pressure from the Moldovan government.
Dmitry Medvedev’s recent visit to Grozny and meeting with Ramzan Kadyrov and local military officials confirmed the role that Chechnya is plying in supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict and the North Caucasian republic’s increasing role in regional and state’s dynamics and foreign policy.
The recent suggestion to open an Eurasian Economic Union Trading House in Iran underlined the organisation’s commitment to increase trade and cooperation with the Islamic Republic and the positive and increasing relations between Moscow and Tehran on different issues related to the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
The participation of Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the ceremony for the fourth unit of Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant underscores the strategic significance of Russo-Egyptian collaboration. The project, led by Rosatom, marks a milestone in Russia’s involvement in Africa, signifying an expanding geopolitical influence.
While the North Caucasus Federal District demonstrates resilience, potential risks include external geopolitical influences and the need for sustained economic stability. The region’s dependency on tourism growth demands careful management to avoid overreliance on a single sector. Additionally, monitoring external pressures on the Russian economy remains crucial for sustained development.
Despite its recognition, Diyanet has been embroiled in scandals in Europe, particularly related to illegal intelligence activities and financial transactions. Its active involvement in the post-Soviet space, notably in Central Asia and Russia, reflects its role as a tool of Turkish “soft power” and an avenue for cultural and humanitarian dialogue.
In this paper published in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2532-845X Vol. 4 Year 2023, the author Giuliano Bifolchi delves into the multifaceted approach undertaken by the Russian government in managing the diverse ethnic groups and indigenous people residing in the North Caucasus.
Putin’s visit to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh confirmed Russia’s strategy in the Arab-Muslim world aimed at enhancing economic partnership in energy, logistics, and trade and attracting Gulf monarchies’ investors in Russian infrastructural projects.
The recent arrest of a 23-year-old individual in Ingushetia, implicated in supporting online Imarat Kavkaz, underscores the persistent threat posed by this terrorist organisation in the North Caucasus region. While empirical evidence suggests a strong diminished operational capacity on the ground, the organisation’s propaganda remains a potent force capable of influencing local sentiments.
The upcoming visit to Russia of Qatar Prime Minister accentuates Doha’s role among the Arab and Muslim countries to promote the end of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and Moscow’s desire to become more involved in the Middle Eastern dynamics. Since the Russian Federation has a significant presence of Muslim people in the country and the Kremlin has adopted a foreign policy aimed at strengthening relations and economic cooperation with the Arab-Muslim world, the cooperation with Qatar and other Gulf monarchies might represent an opportunity for Moscow’s strategy in the region.
The Russian ambassador in Dushanbe recently underscored a notable upswing in collaborative efforts between Russia and Tajikistan, specifically in the realms of security and countering drug trafficking, confirming Moscow’s strategy to strengthen its influence in the Central Asian republic.