President Assad meets Putin on a surprise visit to Russia, and is told that the unsanctioned presence of foreign forces hinders the consolidation of the Arab country's sovereignty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin observes huge display of firepower during joint drills with Belarus.

Japan’s Defense Ministry has alleged that a Russian An-26 aircraft has violated the country’s airspace.

Belarus is set to purchase more than $1 billion worth of Russian weapons, which will be delivered in 2025.

“Against the backdrop of growing instability near Tajikistan’s southern border, we are working together to ensure the security of our states,” Major General Yevgeny Tsindyaikin said in a statement.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says an all-out war with neighboring Russia is a “possibility,” further complaining about Kiev not being allowed to join the NATO military alliance.

Russia has summoned US ambassador to Moscow over alleged US interference in the country’s upcoming elections, as well as denying accreditations for Russian journalists to attend 9/11 memorial events in New York.