Russia

Politics

Russian foreign policy focused on challenging Western cohesion and advancing a multipolar world narrative. Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov openly questioned Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland, exploiting a rift between the United States and its European allies. Concurrently, the first direct three-way peace talks with Ukraine and the U.S. were held, which the Kremlin viewed positively, while Moscow also engaged in diplomatic efforts concerning Gaza and Iran-Israel tensions.

Security

Russia escalated military operations on multiple fronts, conducting large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including with a new hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik. These strikes caused civilian casualties and critical infrastructure damage. Internationally, Arctic tensions intensified as NATO members moved to bolster defenses in Greenland, prompting strong Russian warnings, while naval incidents involving seized tankers further heightened maritime security disputes.

Energy

Russia's energy sector faced severe financial strain from sanctions enforcement, with oil and gas revenues hitting a five-year low and exports dropping to pandemic-era volumes. In response, Energy Minister Novak announced a strategic pivot to direct nearly 70% of gas exports to friendly nations by 2025. This realignment occurred alongside Western seizures of Russian-flagged tankers and continued attacks on energy infrastructure in the Ukraine conflict.

Economy

International economic pressure on Russia intensified with the advancement of a major U.S. Senate bill aimed at crippling oil revenue by targeting the 'shadow fleet' and imposing tariffs on major buyers. Western nations, including France and the UK, expanded enforcement actions against sanction-evading vessels. Domestically, Russia extended its counter-sanctions and took over local operations of at least two foreign companies, Rockwool and Canpack, placing their assets under temporary state management.

Humanitarian

Russian military strikes in Ukraine created severe humanitarian conditions, knocking out power and heating for hundreds of thousands in Kyiv amid freezing winter temperatures, with local officials warning of a potential catastrophe. Domestically, Russia grappled with extreme weather emergencies, including record-breaking snowfall in Moscow and Kamchatka that disrupted daily life and buried towns.

Information

Russian information operations targeted Western narratives, with officials denying alleged ambitions in Greenland and refuting a British claim of a plot to kidnap Putin as a "salacious fantasy." In the technological sphere, Ukraine raised concerns about Russian forces using Starlink, prompting Russia's space chief to announce plans for a rival satellite internet service.