Daily Memo: Russia Readies Reservists

Relying on reservists. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday ordering reservists to participate in military training in 2025. According to the decree, it’s aimed at maintaining combat readiness and increasing training for reserve forces. Details regarding the timing of the training, the number of reservists involved and their duties will be outlined in subsequent documents.

Russia and Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is in Russia, where he is expected to sign with Russian President Vladimir Putin a new cooperation treaty. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement will include security and defense elements, though Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously said it will not amount to a defense alliance.

Russian spending. Russia spent 3.31 trillion rubles ($32 billion) on national development projects in 2024, new data from the Ministry of Finance shows. Spending for the projects, which include road construction, international cooperation and trade initiatives, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship, reached a record 99.6 percent of the target for the year.

Support for Syria. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Damascus to meet with interim Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al Thani said during a joint press conference that he welcomed the resumption of bilateral relations after 13 years, adding that Syria was entering a new stage of development. He also offered assistance in rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure and working toward lifting international sanctions.

Syrian tariffs. The new Syrian administration has increased taxes on Turkish imports by 300-500 percent, Turkish newspaper Ekonomim reported. The move has led to long delays at the border, bringing trade between the two countries to a near standstill. Turkey’s foreign minister reportedly discussed the matter at a meeting with Syrian representatives this week.

Iranian diplomacy. Iran’s foreign minister discussed the Gaza ceasefire deal in separate calls with his Egyptian and Qatari colleagues. The Iranian minister thanked Cairo and Doha for their efforts in resolving the conflict.

Israeli defense. Israel’s Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Israeli defense firm Rafael to expand production of interceptor missiles for the Iron Dome air defense system. The deal will be financed using $5.2 billion from a previously approved U.S. aid package.

Talks continue. China and the Philippines agreed to continue talks to resolve their dispute over areas of the South China Sea. This comes after China’s largest coast guard vessel sailed earlier this week through waters near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

Britain and Poland. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to launch talks on a new defense pact with Poland during a visit to Warsaw on Friday. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the agreement will support expanded military cooperation between the two countries and efforts to tackle disinformation and hybrid threats. Starmer also signed a ”landmark” 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine on Thursday.

Demographics. China’s population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, according to a report by China’s National Bureau of Statistics. The population declined by 1.39 million, despite a slight rise in births, which were outpaced by deaths.