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opinion Andreas Umland

Trump's Diplomacy Won't Stop Russia's Expansionism

The most influential causes of Russia’s war on Ukraine are internal. Improving relations with the West will not fix them. Only action matters.

What Stands in the Way of a Putin-Zelensky Meeting?

From the diplomatic picture to the status of the front line, The Moscow Times looks at the obstacles that could derail a potential meeting.

opinion Inna Bondarenko

Trump and Putin Speak the Same Diplomatic Language. Zelensky Adapts, But Europe Struggles.

The businessman, spy and actor all understand the role of showmanship. Europe's earnest approach risks assigning them to irrelevancy.

Putin’s Delegation to Alaska Forced to Pay Cash for Jet Fuel, Rubio Says

The Russian president typically travels with a fleet of three planes, meaning the total bill could easily have reached into the hundreds of thousands of...

Who's Who in the U.S. and Russian Delegations in Alaska

From top diplomats to special envoys and finance ministers, here's a look at who’s going to be at the table in Anchorage.

Russia Will Send ‘Clear’ Message to U.S. at Alaska Summit, FM Lavrov Says

“What we do know is that we have clear arguments to contribute to the discussion, and our position is well defined. We will present it accordingly,”...

opinion Ruth Deyermond

Trump Is Doing Putin a Favor — And Abandoning His Allies

Hosting the Russian president on American soil is a clear sign of Washington's pivot way from Europe to the strongman in the Kremlin.

‘Bridge Between Nations?’: Putin and Trump to Meet in Alaska Amid Concerns Over Ukraine’s Exclusion

Observers say the choice of Alaska signals that Trump may be preparing to offer Putin a deal that sacrifices Ukraine’s interests and sovereignty.

European Leaders Urge More ‘Pressure’ on Russia Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit

European leaders said that "only an approach that combines active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure" on Moscow to end the war can succeed.

Russia and Syria Signal Closer Ties Amid Uncertainty Over Military Bases

“We are interested in having Russia by our side,” Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaiban told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday...

Kremlin Says Russia-U.S. Diplomatic Talks ‘Going Nowhere Fast’

Authorities in Moscow suggested that the U.S. was not doing its part in improving ties, saying the talks require “initiative from both sides.”

Where Do Russia and Ukraine Stand Ahead of Their Third Round of Peace Talks?

While the front line remains largely unchanged since the last round of talks, the broader diplomatic landscape surrounding the war has shifted.

Israel’s Ambassador to Russia Expected to Leave Post Early – RBC

Simona Halperin, who was appointed in May 2023, will reportedly return to Israel to lead the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s European Affairs Department.

opinion Artyom Shraibman

Is Belarus Coming In From the Cold Following a U.S. Visit?

Lukashenko is trying to squeeze as much out of potential peace talks for as long as he can. Washington appears prepared to play along.

Kremlin to Expand Soft Power Push With Cultural Outposts in Gulf States

The initiative would see the opening of a so-called “Russian House” in Abu Dhabi by 2026 or 2027.

Russia Orders Closure of Polish Consulate in Kaliningrad

Moscow said the closure was retaliation for what it called the “unjustified and hostile” shutdown of its consulate in the Polish city of Krakow.

From Plane Crash to Deadly Arrests: What’s Behind the Russia-Azerbaijan Standoff

The Moscow Times traces how relations between Russia and Azerbaijan devolved, and why they may get worse before they get better.

U.S. ‘Not Ready’ to Fully Restore Work of Embassies, Putin Adviser Says

“I can assume the American side, despite some progress, is not yet ready to say goodbye to the difficulties that have been created around the work of...

U.S. Pulled Out of Embassy Talks Over Venue Dispute, Putin Adviser Claims

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said officials in Moscow are now waiting on the U.S. to propose an alternative location for the next talks...

Between Two Fires: Kremlin's Loss of Leverage Exposed By Israel-Iran Conflict

Powerless to influence the conflict, Russia nonetheless hopes it will be able to win Trump's favor.

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