GLOBAL RUSSIA ROUNDUP- December 16, 2020

Thank you all for your interest in my new Global Russia Roundup!

In today's roundup, I will highlight new developments on Russian disinformation in the Central African Republic, Russia's relations with Turkey, Egypt and Serbia, and more.

1) There is a Facebook disinformation war afoot between #Russia and #France in the Central African Republic

Russian disinformation will burnish its image ahead of CAR's De. 27 elections and will add fuel to Macron's grievances about Russia and #Turkey's disinformation in Africa

2) The Egyptian parliament agreed to a strategic cooperation deal between #Russia and #Egypt.

This deal will result in more 2+2 meetings between Russia and Egypt on #Libya and #Syria. Egypt's ties with the Eurasian Economic Union could strengthen too.

3) Russian state-aligned media outlets are expressing concern about #Turkey's defence cooperation with #Ukraine.

There are concerns it will extend beyond drones to naval cooperation. This could allow Ukraine's navy to challenge Russia's Black Sea presence and hegemony in Donbas.

4) Sergei Lavrov highlighted Russia's common values with #Serbia, while Belgrade credited Russia for strengthening Serbia's military modernization.

Interesting timing, as Serbia's EU accession negotiations are experiencing setbacks.

5) The Wagner Group paid $304,800 to its 2 operatives who were arrested in #Libya.

This adds credibility to the GNA's claims that they were conducting push polls and political interference tactics for Khalifa Haftar and Saif al-Islam Gaddafi