Since seizing power in a coup last year, Niger’s junta has been strengthening military ties with Russia while turning away from the United States and France.

Western patrols have been highlighting the dangers posed by a growing militia in China known as the Little Blue Men.

As Russia struggles to find additional mercenaries for the Ukraine invasion, it has covertly recruited new Balkan volunteers, causing tension with Serbia, a key European ally.

Al-Estiklal conducted an interview with Ukrainian political expert and diplomat Vladimir Shumakov, revealing that Putin holds the power to decide the fate of the ongoing war with Ukraine and his ultimate goal is to acquire all of it.