Russia Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Orbán’s Kremlin Connection: Russia’s Role in Hungary’s Pre-Election Narrative

While the Hungarian opposition accuses the ruling party Fidesz of using foreign policy scandals to distract public attention from the collapse of municipal services and mounting domestic problems, Viktor Orbán continues to strengthen his…

March 5, 2026Hungary, Russia

Geopolitics Governance Warfare

Russia’s Recruitment Policy Shift in Africa: Strategic Motives and Implications for Military Recruitment

Recent revelations that Russia introduced a blacklist” of countries where recruitment for the Russian military is prohibited—while leaving several African states outside the ban—indicate a recalibration rather than a retreat…

March 5, 2026Africa, Russia

Drug trafficking Warfare

Chemical Endurance: Pharmacological Stimulation in the Russian Army

The Use of Stimulants in Russian Armed Forces Units The Main Military Medical Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense has issued methodological guidelines on the pharmacological adjustment of servicemen’s performance. These guidelines…

March 3, 2026Russia

Conflict Economy Governance Warfare

War in Iran: Power Transition, Regime Stability, Regional Consequences, and the Oil Shock

Iran is fighting on two fronts at once: an external war (U.S.–Israel strikes and ensuing Iranian retaliation) and an internal succession crisis triggered by the killing of Supreme Leader Ali…

March 2, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

Economy Geoeconomics

Russia’s Oil System on the Brink of Physical Collapse

Key Findings Russia’s oil sector has entered a phase of physical crisis, where the main constraints are no longer prices but storage and transportation capacity. A decline in seaborne exports below 3 million…

March 2, 2026Russia, Sanctions

Geopolitics Propaganda and Disinformation

From Soft Power to Strategic Leverage: Russia’s Academic Footprint in Kenya

The opening of the African Centre for the Study of Russia (ACSR) at the University of Nairobi gives Moscow direct access to the training of Kenya’s future diplomats, journalists, and…

February 27, 2026Kenya, Russia

Corruption Energy Geopolitics

Energy Infrastructure, Disinformation, and Alliance Risk in Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, following a meeting of the National Defence Council, stated that Ukraine allegedly “plans new actions” aimed at damaging Hungary’s energy system, in addition to the…

February 26, 2026Hungary, Russia, Ukraine

Intelligence ops National Security Propaganda and Disinformation Psyops

Manufacturing Nuclear Panic: Russia’s “Dirty Bomb” Claims as Information Warfare

The press service of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) published a press release accusing the United Kingdom and France of intending to covertly supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons and their…

February 25, 2026Russia, SVR, Ukraine

Conflict Estimates Warfare

Strengthening Iran’s Air Defenses: Strategic Implications of a Secret Russia–Iran Arms Contract

A secret contract between Russia and Iran strengthens Tehran’s air defenses and threatens U.S. influence in the Middle East. A secret agreement has been concluded between Iran and Russia. Under…

February 24, 2026Iran, Israel, Russia, USA

Conflict Corruption Intelligence ops Propaganda and Disinformation

Africa’s Recruitment into Russia’s War in Ukraine: Actors, Drivers, Impact, and Implications

Recent intelligence reports and media investigations reveal that Russia has recruited significant numbers of fighters from several African countries to serve in its war against Ukraine, a practice that has attracted…

February 23, 2026Africa, Russia, Ukraine

Russia