Russia PM, Mikhail Mishustin, inked multiple agreements during his Beijing visit, strengthening the nations’ ties amidst “intense pressure from the collective West.” This visit is the first by a top official since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The signed agreements aim to bolster trade in agriculture and services. On the war front, the Belgorod region’s governor reported intercepted drones and repelled pro-Ukrainian militias. The Wagner group’s head, Mr. Prigozhin, predicted a potential Russian revolution due to the Ukraine conflict’s adverse impacts.