Russia
Russia’s ruble woes serious but not catastrophic
Sanctions and fluctuations in Russia’s trade balance have caused a sharp depreciation of the ruble
RussiaRussia-China rivalry in Central Asia unlikely to grow
China’s growing political and economic influence in Central Asia has not yet generated damaging rivalry with Russia
Central AsiaProtests in Georgia are likely to continue
Large-scale protests took place across Georgia following the government’s decision to freeze EU accession talks
GeorgiaUkraine's Zelensky hints at negotiating flexibility
President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested some Russian-occupied territories might need to be regained through diplomacy
UkraineRussian inflation likely to continue rising
Inflation accelerated briskly in November, driven by rising food costs
RussiaRussian missile threats unlikely to match rhetoric
President Vladimir Putin yesterday threatened to target Kyiv with Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles
RussiaChina, Russia and North Korea will test US responses
Beijing has denounced a US missile system in the Philippines
ChinaEuropean powers will step up Arctic security focus
Arctic security is becoming increasingly important for European powers following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
NATORussia will seek to retain influence in Kazakhstan
Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Kazakhstan for a Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) summit
Kazakhstan
