Global Scans · Russia · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Russia is becoming an independent geopolitical actor. Russia will seek to maintain the world's strategic balance of power. A resurgent Russia is likely to continue to stir up trouble across much of Central and East Europe and the Middle East. It remains to be seen whether a rapprochement is possible with the U.S. And, Russia's economy is expected to return to modest growth in late 2016 and 2017, further strengthening its hand.

• [New] The Russian State Duma adopted a bill that grants Russian commanders the ability to certify the power of attorney over Russian volunteers, which will likely make it easier for the Russian MoD to deny compensation to Russian servicemen fighting in Ukraine. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov claimed that Russia will raise 13,000 officers in 2025, amidst reports that Russia's war in Ukraine is degrading Russia's officer corps and professionalism among officers. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Suspending US military aid to Ukraine very likely will not compel Russia to conduct meaningful negotiations with Ukraine as President Trump desires, but rather embolden Moscow to continue protracting Russia's war. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly in maritime domains, enhancing coastal defence will be crucial for NATO members facing new challenges from nations such as China and Russia. SSBCrack News
• [New] Sanctions and parts and labour shortages will likely continue to slow Russia's aircraft production, even as Russia works to expand physical production capabilities. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] The main increase will be in the commercial segment, where more activity of Russian manufacturers is expected and which will double to the current level - up to 40% of commercial drones sold in the Russian Federation will be of domestic production. TAdviser.ru
• [New] The United States and its allies have an opportunity to reject a Russian premise by dismantling the notion that Russia is entitled to its claimed sphere of influence or that Russia will inevitably win militarily in Ukraine. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] The information backdrop of the Kremlin-induced fears has shaped Western decisions, resulting in lost opportunities for Ukraine and battlefield advantages for Russia. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Russia will achieve a goal that exceeds its military capability if the world accepts the premise that Russia deserves occupied and unoccupied Ukrainian territories and pressures Kiev to cede land as a part of a deal with Russia. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Russia's war on Ukraine, and the vulnerability of Iran demonstrated by Israel, who is widely believed to have nuclear weapons, will likely make them even more desirable. Marc to Market
• [New] The RAF will focus on providing quick reaction alert aircraft in the UK and Nato states in Europe to intercept Russian aircraft and enhance air defence. Forces News
• [New] There is a theory in foreign policy circles that an alliance called CRINK - China, Russia, Iran, North Korea - might band together in a crisis or conflict with the West. Egypt Independent
• [New] Regional Alliances and Isolation: Iran might seek alliances with major powers like Russia or China to resist Western pressure, further polarizing global politics. The Missionary and the Mercenary
• [New] All the European countries bordering Russia, apart from Norway, have now announced plans to quit the global treaty, citing the increasing threat of direct conflict with Moscow. The Independent
• [New] NATO has evolved from being a Cold War military alliance focused on deterring the Soviet Union to becoming a broad security organization addressing diverse threats, including cyber attacks, terrorism, and rising global powers like China. IASbaba
• [New] Russia will likely leverage North Korean workers to drastically increase its drone production numbers, and North Korean workers will have the opportunity to learn and export valuable drone development, manufacture, and operation lessons. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Russia's ongoing efforts to expand drone production are having a more immediate impact on the frontline in Ukraine, although Russia will continue to benefit from enhanced drone production capabilities during any future conflict. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] The Russia-Ukraine war's main geostrategic effect has been to weaken relationships between Europe and Russia and, to a lesser extent, between Europe and China, while providing an opportunity to strengthen the relationships between the United States and its European allies. Rand Corporation
• [New] Putin stated that Russia will continue to take steps to strengthen Russia's security and develop the Russian Armed Forces to guarantee Russia's sovereignty. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Any moderation in Russia's monetary policy could provide immediate financial relief and enhance investment capacity. Discovery Alert

Last updated: 05 July 2025