Defense expert Cameron Chell called Iran's military moves a "calculated escalation" as U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones with strike capabilities were reportedly spotted in the region.

The leader of Ukraine said there are 10,000 North Korean troops inside Russia.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A new Kenyan intelligence report says that 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine after being misled with false promises of jobs in Russia before being sent to the front lines.

As the Ukraine war nears its fifth year, a new report alleges Russia is recruiting vulnerable foreign nationals through deceptive tactics that may amount to human trafficking.

GENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia concluded the first of two ⁠days ⁠of U.S.-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday, with U.S. ⁠President Donald Trump pressing Kyiv to act fast to reach a deal to end the four-year conflict.

Russia is stepping up covert attacks across Europe — rail sabotage, drones, cyberstrikes — testing NATO. Polish officials warn "disposable agents" are sowing fear and weakening support for Ukraine.

The U.S. is brokering a 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine talks, but there's little hope of a breakthrough to end the deadliest war on European soil in 80 years.

Russia has a strategic partnership ​treaty with Iran, although it does not include ⁠a mutual ⁠defence clause. A ⁠Russian ​naval corvette conducted manoeuvres with the Iranian navy in the ​Gulf of ⁠Oman this week, according to Russia's Defence Ministry.

Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy for President Trump, endorsed Russia’s participation at next month’s Paralympics, a move greeted with dismay in European capitals.