Several events have coincided to demonstrate the dynamic, if not guarded, relationship between Russia and the Nordic and Baltic states. Ten NATO countries and Sweden launched a two-week planned exercise in the North Sea on May 4 to improve their anti-submarine warfare capabilities. On the same day, Finland — not a NATO member — began […]
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND—Negotiators from Iran and a group of six world powers worked Wednesday to close the remaining gaps in their long-sought effort to reach a framework agreement on curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The two sides missed their self-imposed midnight Tuesday deadline, but agreed to keep talking in a process that […]
WASHINGTON—North Korea’s ailing infrastructure is regarded as the most favorable area for Russian investment, according to the head of a business council tasked with promoting business between Moscow and Pyongyang. In an e-mail response to the VOA Korean service this week, Vitaly Survillo, the chairman of Russia’s Business Council for Cooperation with North Korea, wrote: […]
Reports of heavy rocket artillery firing on the eastern parts of the city of Mariupol, Ukraine, as well as a statement made by a separatist leader, indicate the potential preparation of an offensive on the city. While this would be a significant escalation and an indicator of Russian intent to push further into Ukraine, potentially […]