Russia Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Behind Iran’s Strikes: Russia’s Covert Role in Targeting the Gulf”

Russia’s partnership with Iran has evolved from opportunistic cooperation into a systemic military–technological alliance that directly shapes the balance of power in the Middle East. While Tehran executes kinetic operations, Moscow increasingly…

March 27, 2026Iran, oil, Russia

Geopolitics

Axis of Sanctions Evasion: Belarus and North Korea Strengthen Russia’s Hand

The dictator of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, paid his first official visit to North Korea, where he met with Kim Jong Un to “develop cooperation” between the two countries. Evidently, Moscow is strengthening its ties…

March 26, 2026Belarus, DPRK, Russia

Drug trafficking Geopolitics National Security

From Narcos to Networks: How CJNG Is Tapping Global Arms Supply Chains

Federal prosecutors in Virginia have charged a group that attempted to supply the Mexican cartel CJNG with an arsenal worth €53.7 million. U.S. investigators have linked the central figure, Peter…

March 25, 2026CJNG, Mexico, Russia, USA

Geopolitics Intelligence ops Propaganda and Disinformation

How Vladimir Putin Is Trying to Rescue His Ally Viktor Orbán Ahead of Hungary’s Parliamentary Elections

On the eve of Hungary’s parliamentary elections, Moscow grew increasingly concerned that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán might lose power. With the opposition Tisza Party and its leader Péter Magyar gaining…

March 24, 2026Hungary, Russia, Ukraine

Economy Energy Geoeconomics

Russia’s Vietnam Play: A Growing Challenge to U.S. Sanctions and Indo-Pacific Strategy

Russia’s push to expand energy cooperation with Vietnam is not a transactional economic move, but part of a systemic strategy to rebuild global leverage under sanctions pressure. By embedding itself in…

March 24, 2026Russia, USA, Vietnam

Intelligence ops National Security Psyops Terrorism

Risk Assessment: Threats Against the U.S. Vice President During a Visit to Hungary

The risk of a politically motivated hostile act against the U.S. Vice President during a visit to Hungary should be assessed as elevated in terms of political sensitivity, but constrained by a…

March 23, 2026Hungary, Russia, USA

- Economy Geoeconomics Geopolitics

Russia’s Strategic Entrenchment in Namibia: Resources, Influence, and the Shifting Balance in Southern Africa

Russia is seeking to consolidate its cooperation with Namibia as a durable base for influence in Southern Africa, gradually transforming its engagement from isolated economic ties into a comprehensive system of presence across…

March 20, 2026Russia

Geopolitics National Security

Blame and Buildup: How Moscow Frames Arctic Tensions

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, speaking at a media briefing, accused the West of creating security threats to Russia in the Arctic and increasing its military activity in the region,…

March 19, 2026Arctic, Russia

Corruption Geoeconomics

Sanctions at Sea: How Russia Uses African Flags to Protect Its Oil Exports

Russia is using African shipping registries to keep its “shadow fleet” operating and continue exporting oil despite U.S. sanctions. What once appeared to be occasional sanctions-evasion tactics has evolved into…

March 18, 2026Africa, Russia, shadow fleet

Governance Intelligence ops Propaganda and Disinformation

Moscow’s Election Playbook: Russian Political Technologists and Hungary’s 2026 Vote

The Kremlin is openly assisting Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party in its election campaign, effectively turning the April parliamentary elections into a vote on whether the country will move closer to the European Union or…

March 17, 2026ASP, Hungary, Russia

Russia