Description: Officials from Russia, China and Iran have announced joint military exercises scheduled for later this month, as US – Ukraine negotiations were scheduled to commence in Riyadh. The exercises would be conducted off the Iranian coast near southeastern ports of Chabahar and would be observed by representatives from Qatar, the UAE, Azerbaijan, South Africa and Oman. The announcement comes as the US and Ukraine negotiations were scheduled to commence on 11 Mar regarding the resolving of the war in Ukraine.
Impact: Despite sudden shifts in US foreign policy towards Russia, the latter is ensuring the continuance of its longstanding strategic partnership and reinforcing their military alliance with China and Iran. The exercises could be perceived as some form of strength demonstration where Russia presently has the upper hand in the global geopolitical landscape. China and Iran would also benefit from the joint military drills as Iran aims to build up defensively amid constant threats of aggression from the US and Israel while China boast regional dominance towards threatening countries in the South China Sea. The show of force puts Ukraine even further on the proverbial negotiating backfoot, as Ukrainian representatives were scheduled to meet with US counterparts in Riyadh on 11 Mar.