Russia

The Russia Defense Ministry disclosed that formations and military units within the Airborne Troops received more than 780 new and advanced pieces of military and special equipment during the year.

This influx of attack drones in the region allows for a simultaneous deployment of two drones working together, enhancing their effectiveness against DPR/RF soldiers.

Quoting the Foreign Minister, Russian media highlighted his acknowledgment of the U.S. labeling Russia as an adversary and indicated Russia's preparedness for various scenarios in this context.

Lavrov firmly stated, "It is both unacceptable to justify—let alone encourage—attacks and to respond to them using methods of collective punishment, a blatant violation of international humanitarian law."

Slyusar stated, "We have fulfilled the state defense orders. We have fulfilled all signed contracts according to the schedule. Everything has been delivered on time, and sometimes even ahead of the schedule."

Meanwhile, attention and resources diverted to the Gaza conflict weaken the West's stance. Russia's strategic advantage is acknowledged, increasing the likelihood of achieving its goals in Ukraine and reshaping European security by 2024.

Raisi expressed satisfaction with the growing relations, underlining the significance of cooperation with Russia in alignment with Iran's neighbor-oriented policy. Addressing regional and global developments, Raisi decried unilateralism and an unjust world order, citing ongoing concerns in Gaza as a manifestation of these issues. He condemned Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide and crimes against humanity," urging an end to the bombardments and crimes against Palestinians.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, confirmed the deaths of three individuals, notably highlighting the demise of Sylvester Andrew Ranish Hewage, a former Sri Lankan military officer who had volunteered as a soldier in Ukraine.

Set by law for mid-March, these elections come after a constitutional amendment in 2020, allowing Putin to contest in 2024 and possibly 2030 despite term limits.

In 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow officially designated Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), as a "terrorist and extremist" organization. As a result, these platforms were banned in Russia and are only accessible through virtual private networks (VPNs).