Analysis of several significant geopolitical developments this week involving China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Top events this week included:

1. New signs of Russian economic distress emerged this week, adding to rapidly deteriorating conditions that may have prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to new direct talks with US President Donald Trump on ending the war in Ukraine.
2. A new poll suggests 60% of Russians fear or pity returning combat veterans.
3. The Russian State Duma weighs legislation that would allow the military to deploy reservists to combat, a move that could pave the way for the mobilization of hundreds of thousands of additional troops.
4. China purged nine of its top military officials in the latest anti-corruption drive by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
5. The Netherlands seized control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia amid concerns about technology transfer to China, allegations of financial mismanagement, and US pressure, triggering retaliation from Beijing.
6. The Chinese container ship “Istanbul Bridge” finished a record breaking voyage across the Northern Sea Route to the UK, demonstrating the potential for expanding Chinese trade with Europe through the Arctic.
7. Iran imposed new restrictions on private drone ownership and drone-related businesses and touted recent successes against cyberattacks in an effort to project the regime’s control over internal security.
8. Ukraine alleges that North Korean drone operators are supporting Russian combat operations in Ukraine.
9. Google researchers have found that North Korean hacking groups are employing sophisticated blockchain-based malware.