Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 changed the world’s alliances. It made countries choose sides, showing a mix of economic, military, and anti-Western ties. These partnerships are different from NATO’s traditional alliances, focusing on shared goals.
In February 2023, a UN resolution called for peace in Ukraine. Only seven countries opposed it: Belarus, Syria, North Korea, Mali, Nicaragua, and Eritrea, along with Russia. But Russia has strong ties with China and India, who want to grow their economies without Western sanctions.
Putin’s 2023 Foreign Policy Concept made Russia focus more on Asia, Africa, and the Islamic world. It means Russia wants to move away from the West and become a major player globally. This change is part of Russia’s plan to grow its influence in the Global South.
Russia’s Global Alliance Landscape in 2025
Russia’s allies form a unique group of nations. They are united more by opposing American-led institutions than by shared beliefs. Unlike NATO, Russia has built flexible, bilateral relationships. These are tailored to each partner’s interests, allowing Russia to maintain varying levels of commitment without formal treaty obligations.
After the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Russia’s foreign policy changed dramatically. It moved from leading the global communist movement to forming partnerships based on practical interests. President Vladimir Putin views NATO and EU expansion into former Soviet territories as threats to Russian influence.
How Russia Defines Its International Partnerships
Moscow categorizes its international relationships into a three-tier hierarchy. The top tier is the Union State with Belarus, showing the deepest cooperation. This includes shared defense systems and economic integration, making it more than a standard alliance.
The second tier includes comprehensive strategic partnerships, like Russia’s relationship with China. These partnerships involve military cooperation, joint economic projects, and diplomatic alignment on major issues. Partners in this tier maintain their independence but align closely with Moscow on opposing Western policies.
The third tier has transactional relationships with countries seeking Russian military equipment, energy, or diplomatic support. These partnerships lack the depth of higher tiers but serve mutual interests. Nations in this tier often balance relationships with both Russia and Western powers.
Russia’s approach differs from Western alliances. The Kremlin avoids mutual defense guarantees like NATO’s Article 5. Instead, it focuses on specific shared interests, such as sanctions evasion and access to weapons technology.
| Partnership Tier | Integration Level | Examples | Primary Cooperation Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union State Partners | Maximum integration with shared institutions | Belarus | Defense systems, economic union, political coordination |
| Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships | Deep cooperation across multiple sectors | China, Iran | Military technology, energy trade, diplomatic alignment |
| Transactional Partnerships | Limited cooperation based on mutual interests | Syria, Venezuela, Central African Republic | Arms sales, resource extraction, diplomatic support |
| Regional Security Arrangements | Multilateral frameworks with variable commitment | CSTO members (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) | Collective security, military exercises, peacekeeping operations |
The Kremlin’s foreign policy debates have shaped Russia’s alliance strategy. There are three main schools of thought: Atlanticists, Imperialists, and Neo-Slavophiles. Under Putin, Eurasianism emerged as the dominant framework, positioning Russia as a distinct civilization between Europe and Asia.
The Evolution of Russian Alliances
The 2022 invasion of Ukraine led to a significant realignment in Russia’s alliances. Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation pushed Moscow to strengthen ties with non-Western partners. The Kremlin created an “Unfriendly Countries List” to dictate its diplomatic efforts.
This list fundamentally changed Russia’s diplomatic calculus. Countries not on the list became priority partners for trade, technology, and sanctions evasion. Moscow deepened relationships with Iran and North Korea, providing them with military equipment.
The invasion also exposed limitations in Russia’s regional influence. Armenia criticized Moscow’s security guarantees after Azerbaijan’s 2023 military operations. Kazakhstan refused to recognize Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories. These developments showed that even Russia’s allies and partners have their own strategic priorities.
Putin’s 2007 Munich Security Conference speech foreshadowed this confrontational approach. He criticized American “monopolistic dominance” and “almost unconstrained hyper use of force in international relations.” This rhetoric set the stage for Russia’s current alliance structure, focusing on counterweights to Western power.
The post-2022 period saw shifts that began years earlier. Russia expanded military cooperation with China and strengthened ties with Middle Eastern nations. African partnerships grew through Wagner Group deployments and arms sales.
Trade patterns reflected these changing alignments. Russian energy exports redirected from Europe to Asia, with China and India becoming primary customers. Financial systems adapted through alternative payment mechanisms, creating new dependencies that reinforce political alignments.
The evolution from Soviet-era communist solidarity to current partnerships represents a fundamental transformation. Modern alliances focus on opposition to Western influence more than shared ideology. This pragmatic approach allows Russia to partner with diverse nations, despite their different political systems.
Russia’s Closest Military and Political Allies
Russia’s closest allies have shown their commitment in many ways. They have given direct material support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. This shows how deep their partnership is.
Belarus and North Korea stand out as they have given military support. They have let Russia use their territory and weapons. This shows they value their relationship with Russia more than Western pressure.
01. Belarus: The Union State Partner
The bond between Russia and Belarus is very strong. They have a Union State that ties them together politically and economically. Belarus is Russia’s most reliable ally in Europe.
Belarus let Russian forces use its territory for the 2022 invasion. This made Belarus a co-belligerent, even though its president didn’t officially send troops. Belarus’s territory was necessary for Russia’s attack on Kyiv.
Political and Military Integration
After the 2020 Belarusian election, Russia and Belarus got even closer. Lukashenko kept power with Russia’s help after a popular uprising. This created a debt of survival for Lukashenko.
In March 2023, Putin said Russia would put nuclear weapons in Belarus. By June 2023, Belarus started hosting these weapons. This was a big move for Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
Lukashenko has let Russia launch missiles from Belarus. This makes Belarus part of the war effort without its troops fighting directly. It gives Russia more power and Lukashenko a way to avoid blame.
Economic Dependency and Support
Belarus needs Russia for its economy, mainly for energy and defense. The World Bank said Russia’s demand helped Belarus’s economy grow 4 percent in 2024. This was despite international sanctions.
Russia’s orders drive Belarus’s industry. Factories now make parts for Russian military equipment. This keeps Belarus tied to Russia’s goals.
Energy subsidies from Russia also help Belarus’s economy. Belarus gets gas and oil at good prices, saving billions. Without these deals, Belarus’s economy would suffer a lot.
Joint Military Infrastructure
Belarus and Russia share air defense systems. They work together to defend their airspace. Russian troops are stationed in Belarus to help with this.
They also have joint military exercises. Russian troops train in Belarus, and Belarusian officers learn in Russia. This strengthens their bond.
In 2025, Belarus started making drones with Russia and working with Iran. This shows Belarus is ready to support Russia’s defense plans, even with controversial partners.
02. North Korea: Deepening Defense Cooperation
North Korea became a big military supporter of Russia in 2023 and 2024. This surprised many who thought Pyongyang would stay neutral. The partnership grew from arms transfers to deploying troops.
In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense pact. This pact makes them promise to help each other if attacked. For North Korea, this is a big win.
Arms Supplies and Military Technology
Russia has used North Korean artillery and rockets in Ukraine. These weapons have helped Russia’s artillery campaigns. North Korea has also given Russia ballistic missiles, though their use is not confirmed.
North Korea gets advanced technology from Russia in return. Russia is giving North Korea satellite tech and missile guidance systems. This is a big concern for regional security.
Diplomatic Solidarity
In November 2024, North Korea sent troops to support Russia’s invasion. Ukraine said North Korea was sending 11,000 troops. The Pentagon and South Korea confirmed this.
North Korean soldiers wore Russian uniforms in Russia’s Kursk region. They were helping to retake areas from Ukraine. This was the first official foreign combat forces supporting Russia.
Ukraine captured North Korean soldiers, proving they were fighting. Ukraine said six North Korean officers were killed and 18 deserted. This shows North Korea’s troops were in combat, not just advising.
In late April 2025, Russia and North Korea confirmed the troop deployments. This ended months of speculation. It shows they are openly working together, despite international criticism.
Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un’s sister, criticized the US for sending tanks to Ukraine. Her statement shows North Korea and Russia are united against the West. This strengthens their military and diplomatic ties.
What Countries Are Allies With Russia: Strategic Partners
Three nations stand out as Russia’s strategic partners. They offer economic lifelines, military tech, and diplomatic support. Unlike Belarus and North Korea, China, Iran, and India have partnerships that serve their own interests. These alliances help Russia avoid total international isolation.
Each partnership has its own character. China and Russia have a deep strategic relationship. Iran and Russia cooperate on defense and oppose Western influence. India and Russia have a pragmatic partnership based on historical ties and strategic autonomy.
01. CHINA: Strategic Partnership
China is Russia’s most important ally outside the West. Beijing avoids calling it a formal military alliance. China has not condemned Russia’s Ukraine invasion but has not endorsed it either.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China would help Russia overcome challenges in 2022. This shows China’s careful approach. China refers to the invasion as a “special military operation” and abstains from UN votes condemning Russia.
China is Russia’s largest trading partner and main energy market. Russian oil and gas sales to China soared after Western sanctions in 2022. This economic tie gives Moscow vital revenue and China discounted energy.
Trade between China and Russia has grown significantly. President Putin attended China’s Belt and Road Forum in 2023. He called President Xi Jinping a “dear friend” and highlighted their economic ties.
Energy deals are primary reasoning behind their partnership. Russian gas and liquefied natural gas shipments to China hit record levels. Chinese refineries processed Russian crude at high rates, avoiding Western financial restrictions.
Military Exercises and Defense Cooperation
Russia and China conduct joint military exercises. These show close defense ties without direct support for Ukraine. They have operational coordination and share defense technology.
China has not given Russia direct arms transfers. It supplied non-lethal equipment like flak jackets and helmets. But it avoided weapons that would trigger Western sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of supplying arms to Russia in 2025. Western intelligence agencies have not confirmed large-scale weapons transfers. This suggests China supports Russia economically but not militarily.
Diplomatic Coordination at the United Nations
China consistently abstains from UN resolutions condemning Russia. This gives Moscow diplomatic cover while China claims to respect territorial integrity. Chinese diplomats work with Russian counterparts on various issues.
China’s stance reflects its dual goals. It supports Russia against American influence but avoids explicit endorsement. This approach is an indication to how China addresses what countries are allies with russia in international forums.
02. IRAN: Mutual Defense and Technology Exchange
Iran is one of Russia’s few committed partners. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told Putin in 2022 that NATO expansion is a threat. This shared view drives their cooperation.
The United States outlined a relationship between Iran and Russia in 2022. This partnership grew as both faced Western sanctions. A 2025 pact formalized military cooperation, though it doesn’t include a mutual defense clause.
Drone and Weapons Technology Sharing
Iran supplied Shahed kamikaze drones to Russia. These drones attacked Ukrainian cities regularly. Initial shipments used smuggling networks and Iran’s state airline to evade monitoring.
Reports in 2023 suggested Russia might produce Iranian drones on its own. This would give Russia drone production capacity independent of Iranian supplies. The collaboration is a significant weapons technology sharing.
Iran supplied over 200 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia in 2024. These missiles provided precision strike capabilities against Ukrainian targets. The transfer marked a significant escalation beyond drone technology.
Sanctions Circumvention Mechanisms
Russia and Iran work together to evade Western sanctions. They use alternative payment systems and third-party intermediaries. Their joint mechanisms include barter, cryptocurrency, and routing through banks in countries without sanctions.
Trade between Russia and Iran has increased as both seek new markets. Energy cooperation has expanded with Russian help for Iranian projects. These networks help both countries economically despite international pressure.
Regional Security Interests
Russia and Iran support aligned factions in Syria and oppose American presence in the Middle East. They coordinate operations and share intelligence on militant groups. This cooperation extends beyond Syria to broader regional issues.
Both nations view American influence in Central Asia and the Caucasus as threatening. This shared perspective drives their security cooperation. It reinforces their regional positions despite being among countries allied with russia by circumstance.
03. INDIA: Pragmatic Partnership and Defense Relations
India has a complex relationship with Russia, marked by pragmatic cooperation. New Delhi has not condemned Russian actions in Ukraine but has not endorsed them either. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Putin in 2022 that “today’s era is not an era of war.”
This cautious approach reflects India’s strategic autonomy doctrine. New Delhi maintains partnerships across geopolitical divides based on national interest. India abstained from voting on nearly every UN resolution condemning Russian aggression, providing Moscow with tacit diplomatic support.
Domestic Indian public opinion strongly supports Russia. This sentiment may stem from reliance on Russian military hardware and Soviet Union assistance during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. This complicates Western efforts to pressure New Delhi into distancing from Moscow.
Arms Purchases and Military Equipment
India heavily depends on Russian weapons systems acquired over decades. Russian-origin equipment makes up a significant part of India’s military inventory. This legacy creates ongoing needs for spare parts, maintenance support, and ammunition compatible with existing systems.
New Delhi has diversified its military suppliers in recent years. American, French, and Israeli defense manufacturers have secured major contracts for advanced systems. Concerns about Russian reliability following the Ukraine invasion have accelerated this diversification, though India cannot rapidly replace decades of Russian equipment acquisitions.
The following table compares India’s defense relationships with major suppliers:
| Supplier Nation | Equipment Categories | Strategic Implications | Recent Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | Fighter aircraft, submarines, air defense systems | Historical dependence, spare parts requirements | Declining share, reliability concerns |
| United States | Transport aircraft, maritime patrol, drones | Strengthening partnership, technology access | Increasing contracts, strategic cooperation |
| France | Fighter jets, submarines, helicopters | Technology transfer, joint production | Growing importance, manufacturing partnerships |
| Israel | Missiles, radars, drones | Advanced technology, no political strings | Steady growth, specialized systems |
Energy Imports and Economic Ties
India massively increased Russian oil purchases in 2022. Indian refineries became among the largest consumers of Russian crude. This trade provides Moscow with vital revenue and gives India discounted energy.
The scale of India’s Russian oil imports surprised Western observers. Shipments increased from minimal pre-invasion levels to substantial volumes. Indian refineries processed Russian oil and exported refined products to global markets, including Europe.
Beyond energy, bilateral trade expanded in other sectors. Russia became a supplier of fertilizers, coal, and other commodities to Indian markets. Payment mechanisms adapted to Western financial restrictions, with rupee-ruble trade arrangements replacing dollar-denominated transactions for some commerce.
This pragmatic economic relationship illustrates how India answers what countries are allies with russia through actions. New Delhi pursues national interest in affordable energy and maintains longstanding partnerships regardless of Western pressure to isolate Moscow economically.
Collective Security Treaty Organization and Regional Allies
Regional partnerships in the Collective Security Treaty Organization show the complex dynamics of Russia’s military alliances. The Moscow-led CSTO is a defense framework for six post-Soviet states. These states are Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
This alliance was made to keep member states safe and secure after the Soviet Union fell. But, the war in Ukraine has shown big cracks in this security arrangement. Member states are hesitant to support Russian military goals, making the alliance’s future uncertain.
CSTO Member States
The CSTO’s diverse membership shows different levels of commitment to Moscow’s plans. Each state has handled the Ukraine conflict differently. They balance their own needs with their ties to Russia.
Armenia’s situation is the most dramatic within the CSTO. The loss of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023 led Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to question Moscow’s security promises. This is a big change in their relationship.
Pashinyan said in a June 2023 interview that “Armenia is not an ally of Russia in the war in Ukraine.” This is a big change from their long-standing close ties with Moscow. Armenia has also refused to host CSTO military drills, showing its distance from collective security.
Armenia is now looking for security partnerships with Western countries and India. They feel Russia, distracted by Ukraine, did not protect them when they needed it most.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is trying to balance its economic ties with Russia while staying independent. Reports say Nur-Sultan did not agree to send troops to Ukraine. This shows a clear limit to Kazakh support for Russia’s military actions.
Kazakhstan has not openly criticized Russia but is pursuing its own interests. Kazakhstan has not officially recognized the Russian-backed Luhansk and Donetsk Republics in eastern Ukraine. This shows Kazakh limits on supporting Russia’s actions.
Economic reasons drive Kazakhstan’s approach. The country depends on Russian trade but is also diversifying with China and Turkey. This reduces its dependence on Moscow.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is part of the CSTO but is careful not to openly support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace says Kyrgyzstan is wary of supporting Russia too much. This suggests they are not actively cooperating.
Kyrgyzstan faces internal pressures that make it hard to fully support Russian policies. Economic needs and domestic politics limit Bishkek’s options. Kyrgyzstan is involved in CSTO but limits military cooperation.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan is also cautious in its CSTO involvement. It maintains ties with Russia but avoids supporting the invasion. Analysts say Tajikistan is like Kyrgyzstan, wary of displeasing Moscow.
Tajikistan’s location near Afghanistan makes it need Russian military help. This need complicates its desire for independence. The government tries to balance security needs with changing regional dynamics.
The Role of CSTO in Russia’s Security Framework
The Collective Security Treaty Organization was created to counter NATO’s expansion after the Soviet Union fell. It offers security guarantees, similar to NATO’s Article 5. Russia saw it as a way to lead former Soviet republics militarily.
But, the CSTO’s actions don’t match its promises. The organization failed to support Russia in Ukraine, showing it’s mainly a defensive alliance. Member states are not willing to back Russian offensive actions, limiting the alliance’s usefulness for Moscow.
This lack of action raises big questions about the CSTO’s role. Can it even defend Russia? The trust and interests of member states are eroding, making the alliance less effective.
| CSTO Member | Position on Ukraine Invasion | Level of Russian Alignment | Alternative Partnerships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armenia | Publicly stated not an ally in conflict | Significantly weakened | Western countries, India |
| Kazakhstan | Refused military contribution, no recognition of occupied territories | Moderate with limits | China, Turkey |
| Kyrgyzstan | Passive resistance to explicit support | Cautious maintenance | Limited diversification |
| Tajikistan | Avoids endorsement actions | Constrained by security needs | Afghanistan security focus |
Central Asian Relations and Influence
Central Asia is seeing a decline in Russian influence, beyond just CSTO. Countries are diversifying their partnerships, balancing with Russia, China, Turkey, and the West. This reduces Moscow’s dominance over the region.
Economic factors are a big reason for this shift. Chinese Belt and Road Initiative investments offer alternatives to Russian dominance. These projects and partnerships give countries options they didn’t have before. They see that relying only on Russia limits their flexibility and makes them vulnerable.
The Ukraine invasion has made Central Asian countries more independent. They see Russia’s willingness to use force against neighbors as a risk. This makes them question the reliability of Russian security promises.
Domestic politics also play a role in Central Asian policy shifts. Leaders must balance external partnerships with internal pressures and public opinion. Many people in the region dislike the Ukraine conflict, making it hard for governments to appear too close to Moscow.
While the CSTO is technically intact, it’s weakening as part of Russia’s alliance structure. Member states see it more as a legacy obligation than a strategic benefit. The CSTO’s failure to meet expectations shows the limits of Russia’s military alliances and influence.
Additional Countries Allied With Russia Globally
Moscow has many global partners, not just the closest ones. These include the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. These alliances help Russia in many ways, like fighting Western sanctions and getting military support.
These partnerships help Russia at international meetings. But, many of these countries face their own big problems. The list of Russia’s allies is long but varies in importance.
Middle Eastern Allies and Partners
Russia has a big presence in the Middle East. It has military bases and security deals. Syria is an important place for Russia, but recent changes have made things uncertain.
Syria: Military Presence and Support
In December 2024, rebels took over in Syria, changing things for Russia. The new leaders want to keep Russian bases but need to send Bashar al-Assad to Moscow. This could affect Russia’s role in the region.
The new leaders in Syria want to keep good relations with Russia. They know they need Russian military help. They say they might work with Russia again, but it depends on many things.
Assad used to say Russia’s help was a big deal. He blamed the West for supporting terrorists in Syria and Ukraine. Now, it’s not clear if Syria will keep working with Russia under new leaders.
Latin American Supporters
Three countries in Latin America are close to Russia. Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua support Russia at international meetings. They don’t give much material help but show Russia’s influence in the West.
Venezuela: Oil and Political Alignment
Venezuela and Russia work together on oil and politics. Both face Western sanctions and want to challenge the dollar system. This makes them allies despite being far apart.
Russian companies help with Venezuela’s oil. This shows how some countries team up with Russia for practical reasons. It’s not just about agreeing on everything.
Cuba: Historical Ties and Cooperation
Cuba and Russia have been friends for a long time. Russia helps Cuba with energy and might even help with the military. Cuba supports Russia at international meetings, even when it’s hard.
This friendship shows Cuba’s opposition to the US in Latin America. Russia’s help is important for Cuba, but Cuba’s economy is weak. This limits how much Cuba can do for Russia.
Nicaragua: Diplomatic Support
Nicaragua backs Russia at the UN, even when it’s hard. President Daniel Ortega gets Russian help and investment. This helps Nicaragua stand up to the West.
Nicaragua gets diplomatic support from Russia without giving much back. This is common in Russia’s alliances. Russia helps its partners more than they help Russia.
African Nations with Russian Military and Economic Ties
Russia is getting more involved in Africa. It helps countries with security problems. These deals often replace old partnerships with the West.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic
Mali used to work with France but now gets help from Russia. The new leaders in Mali want Russian support to fight terrorists. But, Russia’s help has risks.
Recently, Russian mercenaries were attacked in Mali. This shows the dangers of Russia’s involvement. Similar issues exist in Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic.
These countries get military help from Russia. They also get economic benefits. But, Russia’s role has become more complicated after a mutiny in June 2023.
Wagner Group and Russian Influence Operations
Wagner mercenaries are active in Africa. They help Russia expand its influence. But, they also cause problems and human rights abuses.
Wagner works for Russia without official government support. This is how Russia gets involved in many places. But, Wagner’s success is not always clear.
Wagner’s activities help Russia without official responsibility. This model is attractive to many countries. It helps Russia expand its influence without traditional alliances.
Serbia: European Partner Maintaining Ties
Serbia is Russia’s closest friend in Europe. But, Serbia tries to balance its relationship with Russia and the EU. This is a tricky situation.
Serbia’s president says Russia is important for its security. But, Serbia also condemns Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This shows Serbia’s complicated position.
Serbia’s foreign minister says Russia is a big supporter. This is because of Russia’s help on Kosovo. Serbia wants to keep good relations with Russia, even if it wants to join the EU.
Serbia voted against Russia at the UN but keeps close ties. This shows Serbia’s careful balancing act. It’s not fully aligned with Russia or the West.
Serbia’s public is sympathetic to Russia. This is because of Orthodox Christianity and opposition to Kosovo’s independence. This limits Serbia’s ability to fully support the West.
| Country/Region | Primary Connection Type | Strategic Value to Russia | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syria | Military bases and security | Mediterranean presence and Middle East projection | Uncertain after Assad’s December 2024 ouster |
| Venezuela | Oil cooperation and sanctions evasion | Western Hemisphere presence and economic ties | Stable alignment due to mutual isolation |
| Cuba | Historical partnership and diplomatic support | Symbolic presence in Latin America | Continued cooperation despite limited resources |
| Mali/Burkina Faso/CAR | Wagner mercenary deployments | Resource exploitation and African influence | Active but facing challenges after Wagner losses |
| Serbia | Political and energy relationship | European foothold and Kosovo leverage | Balancing between Russia ties and EU aspirations |
Russia has many allies around the world. But, most of these countries are isolated or unstable. Russia gets more help from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea. Russia’s alliances are diverse but not always deep.
Conclusion
What countries are allies with Russia is a complex question. Only a few countries, like Belarus and Syria, support Russia’s stance. This shows Russia’s limited support from the international community.
Russia has different levels of alliances. Belarus and North Korea give direct military help. China and Iran support Russia economically and diplomatically. India keeps its ties with Russia practical, focusing on mutual benefits.
Putin’s 2023 plan aimed to make Russia a big player in Asia and beyond. But, many countries are not as enthusiastic about this vision. The CSTO is growing more independent and is unlikely to defend Russia in big conflicts.
Russia’s alliances are mostly with isolated or self-interested countries. The West’s efforts to help Ukraine show its strength, but Russia’s alliances are weak. If Russia’s situation changes, its allies might look to the West instead.
FAQ
Which Countries Are Russia’s Closest Military Allies?
Belarus and North Korea are Russia’s closest military allies. Belarus hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons. North Korea has supplied artillery and rockets to Russia.
What Is China’s Position on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine?
China supports Russia economically but avoids actions that could trigger sanctions. It has become Russia’s largest trading partner and primary energy market.
Does Russia Have a Military Alliance Similar to NATO?
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is Moscow’s main alliance. It is an independent organization that has not supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Which Countries Voted Against UN Condemnation of Russia’s Invasion?
Only seven countries voted against the UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion in February 2023. These included Belarus, North Korea, Syria, and others. Most countries either condemned Russia or abstained.
What Role Does Iran Play in Russia’s Alliance Network?
The two countries signed a strategic partnership pact in 2025. This pact includes cooperation on sanctions circumvention and regional security. Iran has not committed to a mutual defense pact with Russia.
Why Does India Maintain Relations With Russia Despite Western Pressure?
India has a long-standing defense relationship with Russia. It has also increased purchases of Russian oil. India abstains from UN resolutions condemning Russia, showing its commitment to strategic autonomy.
What Are Russia’s Strategic Partnerships in Africa?
Russia has expanded its influence in Africa through the Wagner Group. Wagner has deployed mercenaries in Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.
What Are Russia’s Geopolitical Allies in Latin America?
Russia has ideological and practical alignment with Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Venezuela and Nicaragua vote against UN resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion.
