Opinion
Russia Wants a Bigger Place in Africa. What Is the Continent Getting in Return?
When nearly 50 African countries send representatives to meet one of the world’s most powerful leaders, the gathering deserves attention. When 22 African heads…
Russia
Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is the world’s largest country by land area, stretching across Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Its capital city is Moscow. Russia is a nuclear superpower with major influence in global energy markets, military affairs, and international politics. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has remained central to global geopolitical tensions, especially under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin.
Quick facts about Russia
- Derived from the medieval state Kievan Rus' (inhabited by the Rus' people, derived from the Old Norse term for "the men who row"). Formally proclaimed as the Russian Empire by Peter the Great in 1721 and established as the independent Russian Federation on December 25, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
- World's largest nation by landmass (17.1 million sq km), encompassing 11 time zones and holding the world's largest proven natural gas reserves, second-largest coal reserves, and eighth-largest crude oil reserves.
- Subject to over 16,500 international sanctions (the most sanctioned nation in modern history). The Kremlin reallocated over 30% of national budget expenditure to defense, driving domestic inflation and forcing economic alignment toward China, India, Iran, and North Korea.
- Western military intelligence estimates (UK MoD / CSIS) calculate cumulative Russian military casualties in Ukraine at over 1,400,000 troops (including 250,000–500,000 killed) alongside the loss of thousands of main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery assets.
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News about Russia
Diplomacy
Ruto Says Russia Will Stop Recruiting Kenyans Into Its Military After Putin Talks
Kenyan President William Ruto says Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens into its military, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at…
Diplomacy
Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah Meets Putin as Windhoek Seeks Stronger Economic Ties With Russia
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, using the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit to…
Europe
Putin Opponent and Anti-War Politician Boris Nadezhdin Leaves Russia After Election Ban
Russian opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin has announced that he has left Russia, becoming the latest Kremlin critic to go into exile after being arrested,…
Diplomacy
Samia Says Tanzania Will Not Choose Between Russia, U.S., Europe or China
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has defended Tanzania's non-aligned foreign policy, saying the country will continue working with all major global powers despite growing geopolitical…
Russo-Ukranian War
“Enough of War”: Zelensky Writes Open Letter Urging Putin to Meet Face-to-Face and End Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has published an unusually personal open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to meet face-to-face and negotiate an…
Diplomacy
Samia Meets Putin as Tanzania Deepens Ties With Russia
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral…
East & Central Africa
Kenya offers amnesty to citizens recruited into Russia-Ukraine war
Kenyans fighting for Russia in Ukraine will not be arrested upon return, the government has announced following widespread concerns about recruitment practices.
East & Central Africa
Kenyan Families of Recruits in Ukraine War Demand: “Bring Our Sons Home”
Family members of men, believed to be fighting on behalf of Russia in the Ukraine conflict, are demanding the government helps their sons return.…
North Africa
Mali Arrests Editor for Criticizing Niger’s Military Ruler
Journalist Youssouf Sissoko was detained in Bamako after questioning Niger’s claims that neighboring African presidents were supporting extremist groups. The arrest highlights a shrinking…