Russia

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh reports have emerged that Russia provided intelligence support to Iran shortly before a major strike on a United States military base in Saudi Arabia, an attack that left several American personnel injured.

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian satellite data was shared with Iran in the days leading up to the assault on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj. The strike, which involved missiles and drones, injured at least 12 US troops and caused significant damage to military assets.

Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian surveillance activity intensified prior to the attack. He revealed that Kremlin satellites captured images of the base three separate times, suggesting a deliberate pattern.

“We know that if they make images once, they are preparing. If they make images a second time, it’s like a simulation. The third time it means that in one or two days, they will attack,” he told NBC News.

The Ukrainian leader added that he was “100 per cent” certain that Russian intelligence played a role in helping Iranian forces target American troops in the region.

The strike destroyed a high-value E-3 Sentry radar aircraft, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of pounds, and also damaged refuelling planes stationed at the base. Military analysts describe the incident as one of the most serious breaches of US air defences since the conflict began last month.

Moscow has denied passing intelligence to Tehran. However, Russian officials acknowledged that they have supplied Iran with “certain types of military equipment.” European intelligence sources now believe Russia may be preparing to deliver additional military hardware, including attack drones.

The development comes amid rising tensions across the Middle East. Reports indicate that the United States is reviewing possible ground operations targeting strategic Iranian مواقع, including key oil infrastructure. At the same time, Iran has warned that its forces are ready to respond to any escalation.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts ongoing in several countries aimed at reducing hostilities and preventing a wider regional conflict.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Low-budget drones are reshaping the architecture of modern warfare in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. They allow combatants to engage targets with minimal human contact, reduced battlefield exposure, and significantly fewer casualties. Unlike traditional air power that requires expensive fighter jets, trained pilots, and sophisticated logistics, drones can be produced at low cost, deployed quickly, and operated remotely with high precision. This shift is lowering the barrier to entry for military capability and redefining how wars are fought.

More importantly, this transformation is changing the balance of power between strong and less-powerful nations. Previously, military dominance depended heavily on air superiority, armoured divisions, and naval strength, all of which were controlled by a handful of major powers. Today, relatively smaller or less-equipped countries can use swarms of low-cost drones to challenge technologically advanced militaries. This has made conflicts more prolonged, unpredictable, and difficult to decisively win. Even well-funded armies now face persistent threats from inexpensive systems that are hard to detect and cheap to replace.

The Ukraine-Russia war is a clear example of this shift. A country with fewer conventional military resources has been able to slow down and at times stall a larger, more powerful opponent by using drones for surveillance, artillery guidance, and direct strikes. Commercial-style drones modified for military use have destroyed tanks, disrupted supply lines, and targeted command positions. This has contributed to battlefield stalemates and reduced the effectiveness of traditional heavy military advantage.

Similarly, the United States-Israel-Iran war has demonstrated how drone technology is changing deterrence dynamics. Iran, with its Shahed drones, was able to withstand the US and Israel at the same time, including being able to attack other countries. Iran was able to attack military bases, infrastructure, or naval assets across the Gulf and Israel using its relatively cheap drones; these have altered strategic calculations of the entire war. Furthermore, this suggests that even nations without overwhelming conventional strength can project power and create credible resistance.

However, while low-cost drones provide tactical advantages, they also introduce serious risks. The biggest concern is that non-state actors, militias, insurgent groups, and even criminal organisations can now access and deploy drone technology. Unlike fighter jets or missiles, drones are easier to acquire, modify, and operate. This increases the likelihood of asymmetric attacks against states, critical infrastructure, and civilian targets. What was once the exclusive domain of national militaries is now accessible to smaller groups with limited funding.

In essence, low-cost drones have ‘democratised’ air power. They have changed the face of war, reshaped military strategy, and reduced the dominance of traditional superpowers. But at the same time, they have introduced a new era of insecurity where conflicts may become more frequent, more decentralised, and harder to control. The same technology that reduces casualties on one side also increases the risk of widespread, unpredictable confrontations, especially when used by non-state actors beyond conventional rules of engagement.

This trend is no longer limited to state actors alone. Multiple credible reports and security analysts confirm that Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) have increasingly deployed low-budget, commercially available (COTS) drones, often modified quadcopters, in attacks on Nigerian military positions in the Northeast. These drones are reportedly used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and in some cases, direct strikes against troop locations and defensive positions.

Beyond Nigeria, other non-state actors in different parts of the world have also been reported to use low-budget, commercially available drones, typically inexpensive quadcopters or FPV models, modified with improvised explosives, grenades, mortar rounds, or IEDs. These systems are deployed for intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and direct attacks. The accessibility of these platforms makes them attractive tools for irregular forces seeking to offset conventional military disadvantages.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia is the main beneficiary of the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Reports say the Donald Trump administration recently gave countries a 30-day window to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products that had been stuck at sea due to sanctions. This move aimed to help reduce rising oil prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has faced sanctions from the US and European nations. Analysts, however, have said that easing these sanctions could provide Moscow with significant funds, which it could use to continue its war in Ukraine.

When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is benefiting from the sanctions relief, which has drawn criticism from many European countries, Zelenskyy told the BBC:

“Putin wants a long war. For Putin, the Iranian campaign is a plus. Besides high energy prices, it also means the US is running out of resources and the companies that make air defence systems are also facing shortages – so there’s a lack of resources overall.

“So, it’s good for Putin that the resources aren’t being used against Ukraine, which is where he’s sending his army and fighting. He needs to weaken US and this is a long process. One way to do that is the Middle East.”

Zelenskyy added that the situation shows how the Middle East conflict diverts US attention and resources away from the war in Ukraine, giving Russia a chance to prolong the conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has played down reports that Russia provided intelligence to Iran about American military targets across the Middle East amid the ongoing war involving the US, Israel and Iran.

The report was first published by The Washington Post. It claimed that Moscow had supplied Tehran with information about the location of US military assets in the region.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the issue during an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Friday. He said the US military is closely monitoring developments and incorporating any relevant information into its operational planning.

Since the conflict began on February 28, Russia has reportedly passed details to Iran about US military positions, including warships and aircraft. Three officials who spoke anonymously told The Washington Post about the alleged intelligence sharing.

“It does seem like it’s a pretty comprehensive effort,” one of the sources told the newspaper.

However, other unnamed officials who spoke to The Associated Press said US intelligence agencies have not found evidence that Moscow is instructing Iran on how to use the information. The conflict has continued with US and Israeli forces carrying out air strikes while Iran responds with attacks targeting American assets and allies in the Gulf region.

Hegseth dismissed concerns that the reported intelligence sharing could endanger US citizens.

“The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of who’s talking to who,” Hegseth said.

“And anything that shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s in public or back-channelled, is being confronted and confronted strongly.”

He added: “We’re putting the other guys in danger, and that’s our job. So we’re not concerned about that. But the only ones that need to be worried right now are Iranians that think they’re gonna live.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also responded to the report on Friday. She told journalists that the alleged intelligence sharing has not affected US military operations in Iran.

“[the report] clearly is not making any difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them,” Leavitt said.

She declined to comment on whether President Donald Trump had discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin or whether Russia might face consequences. She said the president would address the issue himself if necessary.

President Trump also reacted sharply when asked about the report later on Friday. During a White House meeting focused on college sports, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy raised the issue during a question-and-answer session.

“I have a lot of respect for you, you’ve always been very nice to me,” the US president said to Peter Doocy, the Fox News reporter.

“What a stupid question that is to be asking at this time. We’re talking about something else.”

The intelligence report marks the first indication that Russia may have taken steps to involve itself in the conflict that began about a week ago.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tehran has not requested military assistance from Moscow. He noted that Russia continues to maintain communication with Iranian leaders.

“We are in dialogue with the Iranian side, with representatives of the Iranian leadership, and will certainly continue this dialogue,” he said.

When asked directly whether Russia had provided military or intelligence assistance to Iran since the start of the war, Peskov declined to comment.

Russia and Iran have strengthened their ties in recent years. Moscow has relied on Iranian missiles and drones during its ongoing war in Ukraine. Both countries have maintained cooperation even as Iran faced long-standing Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme and its support for armed groups across the Middle East.

By Anas Abbas

Russia and China have publicly criticised the ongoing military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran, warning that it risks destabilising the Middle East and undermining diplomatic efforts.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made direct contact with his Israeli counterpart, urging an immediate halt to the bombardment of Iranian territory. China has framed the strikes as a setback to negotiations that had been making headway in addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns. According to him, military action interrupted progress that was being achieved through talks.

In a statement released by China’s foreign ministry, Wang stressed that continued fighting would deepen instability, increase civilian suffering, and fray international norms governing sovereign relations. He reaffirmed Beijing’s preference for diplomatic engagement over force and called for all parties to resume peaceful negotiations without delay.

On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov echoed similar concerns in Moscow, questioning the justification for the attacks. He pointed out during a press briefing that there is no credible evidence that Tehran was actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, the publicly stated reason for the military action.

Lavrov argued that the strikes could have the opposite effect of what their architects intended, potentially driving Iran and other states to seek nuclear capabilities as a deterrent.

Lavrov warned that the conflict may prompt a broader nuclear arms race in the region if countries feel compelled to arm themselves in response to military threats. He also criticised the US and Israeli approach as “unprovoked aggression,” underscoring that such actions violate international norms and threaten regional peace.

Russia has offered to assist in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis but has firmly rejected any justification for the current offensive campaign.

Both Beijing and Moscow are pushing for renewed diplomatic channels to be opened, including through international institutions and direct talks, emphasising that military solutions cannot resolve deeply rooted political disputes. Their positions signal widening international concern over the conflict and mounting pressure for a ceasefire and negotiated settlement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed sending his country’s leading drone interception specialists to the Middle East. He said the support would be provided if Gulf leaders persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine.

Zelensky made the proposal after a series of Iranian drone strikes targeted countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He noted that Ukraine has built strong expertise in countering such attacks after four years of war with Russia.

One of the Iranian-made drones struck the British Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, on Monday. Security forces intercepted two other drones hours later.

“I would suggest the following: leaders of the Middle East have great relations with Russians. They can ask Russians to implement a month-long ceasefire,” Mr Zelensky told Bloomberg. “In exchange, we will send our best operators of drone interceptors to the Middle East countries.”

He said the ceasefire could last two months or even two weeks. He explained that the pause would allow Ukraine to deploy assistance aimed at protecting civilians in affected countries.

Kyiv and its European partners have repeatedly called for an unconditional ceasefire. Moscow has turned down those appeals. Russian officials insist they are prepared to discuss what they describe as a “lasting peace,” while placing strict conditions on any settlement.

On Monday, President Putin held phone conversations with leaders from Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar. These countries have faced recent Iranian drone attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains “in constant contact with the Iranian leadership.”

“For sure, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar have good relations, first of all economic, with Putin,” Zelensky said. “We can help Israel in the same way.”

Zelensky stated that Russia has launched more than 57,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since the invasion began four years ago. He said the drones often target power facilities, warehouses and residential areas.

The drones were first designed by an Iranian firm, Shahed Aviation Industries Research Centre. Russia now produces many of them at a factory in Yelabuga, located in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Ukraine uses a coordinated air defence structure that combines mobile ground units, anti-aircraft missiles and radio-electronic systems. Zelensky described the system as “irreplaceable.”

He voiced support for recent US and Israeli military action against Iran. He argued that Tehran “chose to become Putin’s accomplice” by supplying military equipment to Moscow.

At the same time, Zelensky warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could affect Ukraine’s access to air defence supplies. Kyiv depends heavily on US-made Patriot systems, which are also deployed by American forces in the region.

“We understand that a long war… and the intensity of the fighting will affect the amount of air defence equipment we receive,” he said.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said recent developments show weakening support for Moscow among its allies. “Assad, Maduro and now Khamenei. Putin has lost three of his closest pals in little more than a year,” he said. “The domino of deposed dictators must continue, and Putin’s fall one day is inevitable.”

Meanwhile, Putin has presented Russia as a potential mediator in the crisis. He condemned what he described as the “cynical” killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader and held discussions with leaders in Iran and the Gulf region.

Some pro-Kremlin commentators have argued that US military action could disrupt peace efforts in Ukraine. “Diplomacy was destroyed as a tool on Saturday,” said Vladimir Solovyov on Russia-1 television. “It is now completely obvious to us that any negotiation process is nothing more than part of a military operation designed to pacify the enemy.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Authorities in Ghana have initiated international legal steps through INTERPOL against a Russian national accused of secretly filming intimate encounters with Ghanaian women without their consent.

The action was taken by the Ghana Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Officials said the measure is intended to ensure the suspect can face prosecution under Ghanaian law if he travels outside the Russian Federation.

They described the step as part of a wider diplomatic and law-enforcement push to secure accountability.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed this on Wednesday after a joint ministerial engagement with the Russian Ambassador to Ghana. He stressed that the government is committed to pursuing the matter through all lawful means.

“Working with the Ghana Police CID, we have activated international legal action through INTERPOL to ensure that once the individual sets foot outside Russia, we have a legal route to make him answer for his actions within Ghana,” he stated.

The suspect, identified as Vladislav Luilkov, allegedly recorded Ghanaian women without permission and circulated the videos online.

Authorities said early findings suggest that parts of the content may have generated revenue on digital platforms.
“This is not a matter of morality or private relationships,” the Minister emphasised. “It is a clear criminal offence under Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate images.”

Government sources said the investigation carries international implications. This development prompted diplomatic communication with Russian officials.

Mr. George, alongside the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, held formal discussions with the Russian Ambassador, H.E. Sergei Berdnikov. The meeting focused on briefing him about the case and the progress of investigations.

“We had very fruitful deliberations where we presented information available to us in relation to the Russian national alleged to have engaged in non-consensual recording of ladies,” Mr. George said. “We reiterate our commitment to using all legal means at our disposal to ensure that the law is upheld and the protections of Ghanaian citizens are enforced at all times.”

In his response, the Russian envoy confirmed receipt of Ghana’s official communication. He assured the ministers that the brief would be forwarded to authorities in Moscow.

He noted that Ghana and Russia do not have an extradition agreement. He, however, said the alleged acts could also amount to offences under Russian law. He pledged ongoing diplomatic collaboration.
Officials said investigations are still in progress. Cybersecurity experts and law-enforcement operatives are examining digital trails and financial transactions connected to the allegations.

Authorities also cautioned members of the public against circulating the alleged footage. They warned that redistribution constitutes a criminal violation under Ghanaian statutes.

“The public is urged to refrain from sharing or redistributing the illegal material,” the statement said. “Anyone found culpable will face the full rigours of the law.”
The administration of President John Dramani Mahama, according to the ministers, remains resolute in protecting citizens’ privacy and dignity.
“We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure justice is served,” Mr. George affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has created a victim support desk. Clinical specialists have been assigned to provide psychological and emotional care to affected persons. Officials assured that all interventions will remain strictly confidential.

Ukrainian authorities have announced the recovery of the bodies of two Nigerian nationals in the Luhansk region, alleging that they were fighting on the side of Russia in the ongoing war between both countries.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence identified the deceased as Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole, 42, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, 38.

According to the agency, the two men were enlisted in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, military unit 91701, under the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

“Both served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,” the statement said.

The report stated that the Nigerians signed contracts with the Russian Army in the second half of 2025. Kolawole reportedly enlisted on August 29, while Udoka signed on September 28.

Ukrainian intelligence disclosed that Udoka was deployed on October 3, five days after signing his contract, despite lacking prior military experience.

“Udoka had no documented military training before his deployment,” the statement noted, adding that no training records were found for Kolawole, which suggested he may also have been sent to the battlefield without proper preparation. It added that Kolawole left behind a wife and three children in Nigeria.

The agency said the two Nigerians died in late November during a drone strike. The incident occurred while they were allegedly attempting to launch an attack on Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk area.

“Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence warns foreign citizens against travelling to the Russian Federation or accepting any form of employment on the territory of the aggressor state,” the statement cautioned.

It further warned that such travel carries a “real risk of being forced into so-called ‘suicide’ assault units and ultimately dying on Ukrainian soil.”

The development followed a recent report by CNN which alleged that several Africans, including citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, were recruited to Russia under the guise of civilian employment such as drivers and security guards. The report claimed that many were later compelled into military service and deployed to combat zones with little training.

However, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, dismissed the allegations. He denied claims that Russia engaged in deceptive recruitment or forced enlistment of foreign nationals.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A report citing the Russian government’s denial of recruiting Nigerians to fight in Ukraine is facing direct challenge from evidence within Nigerian communities.

This follows an article published on 10 February 2026, which relayed the Russian Embassy’s statement refuting any state-sponsored recruitment program.

The rebuttal, provided by a Kaduna state resident, presents a concrete counter-narrative. The individual states that a neighbor, a Nigerian national, voluntarily enlisted in the Russian military, was deployed in connection with the Ukraine conflict, but he doesn’t detail his recruitment process and contract terms to family and community before leaving.

“This direct evidence renders the blanket denial incomplete and misleading,” the source wrote in a communication to the Daily Reality editorial team. The account suggests recruitment is operational through pathways potentially involving private military companies or intermediaries, even if not an official government scheme.

The source argues the situation of the four deceased Nigerians previously reported—Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka, and Balogun Ridwan Adisa—may represent only the most tragic outcomes of a broader phenomenon.

The Russian Ambassador’s offer to investigate “illegal organisations or individuals” if provided details is cited as an implicit acknowledgment that the recruitment of Nigerians is occurring.

The challenge calls for amended reporting that separates diplomatic rhetoric from ground truth, proposing a revised summary.

The core issue, the source contends, is no longer if Nigerians are fighting, but how they are recruited, under whose authority, and with what safeguards. The families of those recruited and the Nigerian public, they state, require answers beyond a simple denial.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A report citing the Russian government’s denial of recruiting Nigerians to fight in Ukraine is facing direct challenge from evidence within Nigerian communities.

This follows an article published on 10 February 2026, which relayed the Russian Embassy’s statement refuting any state-sponsored recruitment program.

The rebuttal, provided by a Kaduna state resident, presents a concrete counter-narrative. The individual states that a neighbor, a Nigerian national, voluntarily enlisted in the Russian military, was deployed in connection with the Ukraine conflict, but he doesn’t detail his recruitment process and contract terms to family and community before leaving.

“This direct evidence renders the blanket denial incomplete and misleading,” the source wrote in a communication to the Daily Reality editorial team. The account suggests recruitment is operational through pathways potentially involving private military companies or intermediaries, even if not an official government scheme.

The source argues the situation of the four deceased Nigerians previously reported—Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka, and Balogun Ridwan Adisa—may represent only the most tragic outcomes of a broader phenomenon.

The Russian Ambassador’s offer to investigate “illegal organisations or individuals” if provided details is cited as an implicit acknowledgment that the recruitment of Nigerians is occurring.

The challenge calls for amended reporting that separates diplomatic rhetoric from ground truth, proposing a revised summary.

The core issue, the source contends, is no longer if Nigerians are fighting, but how they are recruited, under whose authority, and with what safeguards. The families of those recruited and the Nigerian public, they state, require answers beyond a simple denial.