Although the capture of Debaltseve by pro-Russian separatists may have temporarily frozen the Ukrainian conflict, the roadmap to implementing the second Minsk agreement is fraught with uncertainty and the possibility of further violence, writes Saif Islam.
The recent terrorist attacks in Chechnya have brought back memories of previous destructive conflicts. Although war is unlikely, the region could be heading for a period of instability, writes Saif Islam.
The growing economic woes facing Russia are unlikely to significantly challenge President Vladimir Putin's grip on power, writes Saif Islam.
With the Syrian regime suffering major territorial losses in recent months, Russia has increased its military presence in the country to prevent the fall of the current government. Although Russia and the West may temporarily cooperate in fighting the Islamic State (IS), fundamental differences remain, writes Saif Islam and Julian Karssen.