Our Scans · Moscow · Weekly Summary

• [New] Russian President Vladimir Putin offered on Wednesday to help mediate an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that could allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful atomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns. The Independent
• [New] Russia could potentially benefit from the Israel-Iran conflict, by US attention and support being redirected from Ukraine to Israel, and by the rise in oil prices which provide Moscow with greater resources to fund its war against Ukraine. Atlantic Council
• [New] The hostilities between Israel and Iran are unlikely to bring Moscow closer to ending its invasion of Ukraine, though, and there are several ways they could potentially play into Russia's hands. RFE/RL
• [New] Moscow has been bullish about its battlefield position ahead of the warmer southern months, seeing ample opportunity to claim additional Ukrainian territory and negotiating leverage before seriously pursuing any settlement. ABC News
• [New] Beijing is taking advantage of Moscow's isolation to gain more opportunities to exploit Russia's extensive Arctic coastline, absorb its energy and mineral resources, develop its polar science and technological capabilities, and expand its military reach. DNyuz
• [New] As Western leaders begin to envision what form a future relationship with Moscow might take, and as Donald Trump's White House pushes for peace at almost any cost, the deep spiritual significance of Russia's religion of war may provide the greatest long-term obstacle to an enduring rapprochement. New Statesman
• The drone threat caused 32 flights to divert from Moscow airports, revealing the growing reach of Ukraine's UAV strategy. Global Post Headline
• Pyongyang will unconditionally support Moscow's foreign policy, including its war in Ukraine, and further solidify the bilateral partnership. Kyodo News+
• The destruction of 34% of Russia's air missile carrier fleet, combined with the fire at Severomorsk's nuclear submarine base, could limit Moscow's ability to project power, potentially forcing a more conciliatory stance in negotiations. RESONANT NEWS - Resonates with Truth
• Russian outlets began floating threats that Moscow could authorize the use of a medium-range ballistic missile known as Oreshnik. RBC-Ukraine
• Russian officials in Moscow are letting it be known in advance of the call that Putin is going to present a new list of demands to Trump for a cease-fire to be considered - a move that is likely to further frustrate Trump. Fulcrum Macro
• Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine has caused fears in other countries, especially in Baltic states but also in Poland and Germany, that Moscow could open new fronts in Europe. The Guardian
• Moscow could resume drone strikes on civilian infrastructure, hit the Ukrainian power grid, or launch new waves of medium-range ballistic missiles. EA WorldView
• For the United States, increased sanctions on Russia and continuing U.S. and European military assistance to Ukraine would likely raise the costs for Moscow of a protracted war and could facilitate peace talks. Center for Strategic and International Studies
• There will be no restrictions on Ukraine's military strength after a peace deal is struck, no international recognition of Russian sovereignty over parts of Ukraine taken by Moscow's forces, and reparations for Ukraine. Economic Times
• Ukraine's unprecedented drone strikes on Russian air force bases weaken Moscow's ability to wage war on its smaller neighbour and undermine its capacity to threaten more distant rivals such as the U.S. - a shift with potentially far-reaching geostrategic implications. FDD
• Despite a downturn in relations between Russian President Putin and US President Donald Trump, triggered by Moscow's extensive attacks on Ukraine, Trump has stated he will absolutely consider implementing new sanctions against Russia. Invezz
• Germany's decision to step up both its military capabilities and its support for Ukraine is highly significant when considered in the context of Donald Trump's recent threats to abandon his efforts to broker a peace deal between Moscow and Kiev. The Conversation
• Putin threatens to throttle Western firms remaining in Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday threatened to throttle Western firms remaining in Russia and acting against its interests, as part of Moscow's effort to beef up domestic software development. The Verardo Group's Substack
• The Tomtor deposit in the remote Yakutia region in Russia's Far East could become a key asset for Moscow's ambitions to become a global leader in rare earth production. Strategic Metals Invest

Last updated: 26 June 2025