Since launching its all-out assault on Ukraine, Russia has drawn closer to China, Iran, and North Korea. But have they really formed an “axis?” Their interests have aligned but not merged. It makes little sense and can be even counterproductive to treat these four countries, each guided by its own vision, as a unified coalition.

The Kremlin’s Middle East diplomacy is driven by its rivalry with the West, the imperative to defend deep-rooted Russian interests in the region, and a desire to project power and influence well beyond its periphery.

Russian-Chinese “friendship without limits” rests on a solid foundation. Two factors—shared authoritarian domestic politics and adversarial relations with the United States—are most important.

The offensive at the site of a storied World War II battle has humiliated Putin. He wants revenge but should prepare for more to come.

A discussion on last week’s deal that saw Russia exchange innocent Americans and Russian activists for Russian assassins, spies and hackers, and whether the deal will prompt Moscow to take more hostages in the future.

The allies have to find a way to end the war without sacrificing Ukraine in the process.

It’s the logical next step since Putin’s quest for victory in Ukraine has stalled.

Development on Russia announcing drills for the possible use of tactical nukes ahead of Putin’s inauguration

Ukraine needs more help. Are Washington and Brussels ready for it?

Washington and its allies must position Kyiv and themselves for what promises to be a long confrontation with a powerful, dangerous adversary.