Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Kirill Semenov
I Posted Two TikToks With No Link to My App and I Still Got a Paid Subscriber
It went live on the App Store three weeks ago and did nothing, because a new app with no install velocity doesn't surface in search. So the only distribution I had was content I made myself. Two videos, posted on consecutive nights. The two videos Both are short explainers about ADHD, the kind of fact that makes people who have it go oh, that's what that is. No app footage. No screen recording. No "link in bio." No mention of Momo at all.
I Named My IOS App After My Own Diagnosis
I have a habit of doing something that a few years ago I would have had no word for. I open up the task and look at it. It is a visa application for a family trip to go on. It will take an hour to fill in. I know it will take an hour because I have estimated it correctly every day for weeks and every day I haven’t done it. I’m not lazy. I’m not avoiding this. I’m just busy. I’ve been doing some hard stuff at work lately. I even managed to “ship” all that work yesterday.
Istanbul Terrorist Attack: What Awaits Turkey and its Neighbors?
A terrorist attack on November 13 in central Istanbul killed six people and injured more than 80. The tragedy took place on the busy pedestrian İstiklal Avenue, about 200 meters from the diplomatic quarter, where the Russian Consulate General and Trade Mission, as well as the Russian school, are located. Turkish police detained a Syrian woman with suspected ties to left-wing Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militias operating in Syria, who confessed to planting an explosive device.
Boszormeny: A little-known history of Muslims of medieval Hungary
Insight Islam began to spread among Hungarians long before the Magyars heard the first Christian sermon, and before Hungary came under Ottoman rule Until the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, Muslims had constituted a significant part of the population of the medieval kingdom of Hungary.
Finishing the Job: Turkey Preparing For Military Operation in Syria
At its May 26 meeting, Turkey’s National Security Council (NSC) announced it was necessary to go on with current and prospective operations at the country’s “southern borders” to ensure Turkey’s security. Turkey’s NSC stressed that such operations are not directed against the sovereignty of its neighbors (likely a reference to Syria and Iraq).
Russia and Iran: Between competitive partnership and rivalry
Insight Moscow-Tehran relations are shaped and constrained by ideological and geopolitical developments in the Middle East and beyond. Many in the West have long considered the Islamic Republic of Iran to be Russia's ally. The reality, however, is more complex. Ties between Russia and Iran would be better characterised as a "marriage of convenience" – if not even a "competitive partnership".
How Russia's Lost Flagship Could Reverberate in Syria
The flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, the missile cruiser Moskva, sank on April 15 after Russian forces tried to tow it to Sevastopol in Crimea. According to representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the cruiser was seriously damaged by a fire on the ship and an explosion of ammunition. Read Full Article »
How Russia losing its Black Sea flagship Moskva could reverberate in Syria
The flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, the missile cruiser Moskva, sank on April 15 after Russian forces tried to tow it to Sevastopol in Crimea. According to representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the cruiser was seriously damaged by a fire on the ship and an explosion of ammunition. The exact number of sailors who died on the ship is unknown. In turn, Ukraine insists that the cruiser was sunk by two Ukrainian coastal-based Neptune anti-ship missiles.
Putin Says Moscow Ready to Use Mideast Fighters in Ukraine
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third week, there has been increasing talk about the participation of mercenaries and volunteer fighters coming from Syria and other Muslim-majority states to fight on both sides of the conflict. Read Full Article »
Making sense of Iran’s ambitions in post-Soviet states
Although Iran's expansionist aspirations are primarily aimed at the Middle East, the states of the South Caucasus and Central Asia remain in Tehran’s sights. The interests of Iran in the post-Soviet territory have deep historical roots. From Tehran's perspective, close neighbours such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have been part of the so-called Greater Iran throughout history.
Putin says Moscow ready to use MidEast fighters in Ukraine
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third week, there has been increasing talk about the participation of mercenaries and volunteer fighters coming from Syria and other Muslim-majority states to fight on both sides of the conflict. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin backed the idea of sending volunteer fighters to Ukraine.
Facing Western isolation over Ukraine, Russia looks to Mideast, Islamic world
After the start of Russia's military campaign against Ukraine and the resulting unprecedented sanctions against Moscow, the latter is focusing its attention on the leading states in the Islamic world and the greater Middle East to negate the impact of Western isolation. The operation against Ukraine began when Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was in Moscow on an official visit; he had arrived in the Russian capital on the eve of the launch of the military operation.
Russia Voices Support for New Libyan PM
Russia Voices Support for New Libyan PM Russia was one of the first countries to express its support for Libya's new prime minister as divisions were reignited between the war-torn country’s rival governments. Read Full Article »
Russia voices support for new Libyan PM
Russia was one of the first countries to express its support for Libya's new prime minister as divisions were reignited between the war-torn country’s rival governments. Former Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha was appointed to the position by the country's east-based parliament, or House of Representatives, despite the fact that the UN-recognized government in Tripoli denounced the move.
Russia's experience in Syria informs approach to Ukraine, NATO
Six Russian landing ships from the Baltic and Northern Fleets, which had previously arrived at the Russian naval base of Tartus in Syria, were transferred to the Black Sea on Feb. 8 to participate in military maneuvers by the Russian army and navy. The passage through Tartus once again demonstrated the importance of this facility for Moscow’s Mediterranean fleet.
Blinken: Iran nuclear talks reach 'decisive moment'
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that Iran’s nuclear weapons program is one area where the United States and Russia can work together and that the two countries are on a “clearer path” to understanding each other’s concerns. The top US diplomat met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Geneva on Friday for talks focused on the crisis in Ukraine.
Iran’s Raisi attacks US during speech to Russian parliament
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi defended his country’s nuclear activities as legal and renewed strong criticism against the American sanctions regime that has battered the Iranian economy. “We are not seeking a nuclear bomb, and it has no place in our defense strategy,” Raisi declared in a speech at Russia’s lower parliament Jan. 20, as he refenced a 2003 fatwa, or religious decree, issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in prohibition of atomic weapons.
Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China
Russian Navy ships are visiting Iran to prepare joint maritime exercises between the two countries and China. Russia’s Pacific Fleet on Tuesday said a missile cruiser, anti-submarine warfare ship and a tanker anchored offshore at the port of Chabahar in southeastern Iran. The ships departed Vladivostok last month. The exercises follow previous naval exercises between Russia and Iran last February.
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived today in Moscow where he held talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. "We want our relations with Russia to be strong and comprehensive. These relations will not be short term or positional, but permanent and strategic," the Iranian president said.
Hints of progress on Iran nuclear talks, but time running out
Latest: Talk of ‘progress’ and a ‘good agreement’ The buzz around the nuclear talks in Vienna among the parties to the Joint Comprehensive of Action (JCPOA), or Iran nuclear agreement, is around “progress.” The parties negotiating the agreement, which provides sanctions relief in return for constraints on Iran’s nuclear program, are the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Russia, China and Iran. US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in May 2018.
Blinken says 'a few weeks' left for Iran to resume nuclear compliance
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said only “a few weeks” remain to bring Iran back into compliance and salvage the landmark nuclear deal before the United States considers its “other options.” Blinken’s comments came as talks continue between Tehran and world powers over the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which granted Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
Khamenei website posts animation of Trump targeted in strike
The official website of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted late Jan. 12 an animated clip that depicts an attack meant to kill former US President Donald Trump. The video, titled “Revenge Is Inevitable,” features an entirely remote-controlled operation.
UN experts urge Iran to halt execution of juvenile offender
A group of UN human rights experts urged Iran on Thursday to halt the execution of a young man arrested for murder as a minor. Hossein Shahbazi was 17 years old when he was arrested for fatally stabbing a classmate during a fight between a group of four people in 2018. The UN-appointed experts, whose work addresses human rights in Iran, child rights, executions and torture, said in a statement that Shahbazi was denied access to a lawyer while he was interrogated by police for 11 days.
Moscow struggles to sell fighter jets in the Mideast
Russia seems to be having a hard time finding a buyer for its most advanced weapons in the Middle East. In early January, there were reports that Algeria had rejected a deal to purchase Russian Su-35 fighter jets. According to Algerian defense analysts, Algiers came to the decision due to a lack of a modern on-board radar station, which does not meet the requirements of the Algerian military. Over the past 10 years, the Algerian air force’s fleet has been updated with Russian Su-30MKA fighters.
Moscow builds ties with Tripoli government before December vote
A delegation of the Russian General Staff visited Tripoli on Nov. 10. The Russian military was received by the chief of staff of the Libyan army controlled by the Presidential Council, Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Haddad, and other leaders of the armed forces operating in western Libya. Col. Gen.
Sudan Coup Could Be a Boon for Moscow
Sudan's military coup could hurry along the process of Russia's deeper military involvement in the country.
Sudan coup could offer boon for Moscow
The Sudanese military detained the country's prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok, on Monday along with several other members of the government. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who led the coup and alongside Hamdok headed the transitional military-civilian government, announced on state television the introduction of a state of emergency in the country and the dissolution of the country’s so-called Transitional Sovereign Council and the government.
Russian-Iranian competition heats up in South Caucasus
During Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s visit to Moscow on Oct. 5, one of the main topics of the talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was rising tensions in Iranian-Azerbaijani ties. At a press conference in the Russian capital, Iran’s top diplomat voiced a range of complaints against Baku, focusing on Azerbaijan's dealings with Israel.
The Role and Place of the Taliban on the Global Map of Islam: Challenges and Threats
1) Announcing the (French-Indian alliance) to confront the (Australian-American alliance) for establishing a (new multilateral system), and the AUKUS alliance conflicted with the (Anglo-Saxon Five Eyes intelligence alliance), and New Zealand’s rejection of the Australian deal with Britain 2) The AUKUS alliance and the division between (technological and defense democracies against Washington), in favor of strengthening Chinese technological and defense alliances with pro-Beijing political...
Syrian officials, SDF look to Russia for support against Turkey
Russian President Vladimir Putin received his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, in Moscow on Sept. 13 — the first meeting between the two in Russia since 2018.
Russia tries to leverage ties with Taliban in Mideast policies
Russia — along with Pakistan, China, Iran, Turkey and Qatar — was on a fairly short list of states invited by the Taliban to inaugurate their new government in Kabul on Sept. 11. The Speaker of the Federation Council (Russia’s upper house of Parliament) Valentina Matviyenko, said in a statement before the inauguration that diplomats would likely attend on behalf of Russia.
Will Russia be able to maintain the status quo in Syria's Daraa despite Assad and Iran?
On the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 31, a cease-fire agreement was reached between the so-called "reconciled rebels" in the rebel-held city of Daraa al-Balad and the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The agreement provides for government forces to lift the monthslong siege on the city, which in recent days has been attacked and shelled by Assad's forces in an attempt to take control of it.
As Syria’s foreign jihadis eye Afghanistan, new challenges arise for Moscow
The situation in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, escalated sharply Thursday after a suicide attack by militants from the local affiliate of the Islamic State killed over 100 Afghan civilians and 13 US troops at a gate to Hamid Karzai International Airport. US Central Command head Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie said American military leadership is in a state of readiness for new attacks in Kabul by the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) terrorist group.
Russia tries to compete with US in Mideast weapons market
The MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon, held in the Russian city of Zhukovsky just outside Moscow, concluded July 25 with over $3.5 billion in contracts awarded to attendees. Modern samples of Russian military equipment were presented throughout the six days of the show, including combat aircraft, helicopters, drones and anti-aircraft missile systems.
Confrontation between US, pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq poses challenges for Russia
On the evening of June 27, the United States launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on targets of armed groups supported by Iran. Targets belonging to the Iraqi radical Shiite formations Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyed al-Shuhada were hit. The Pentagon reported that these measures were taken by order of US President Joe Biden in response to attacks by militants on American bases in Iraq.
Russia looks for way back into Yemen
The Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi hosted talks May 26 between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Yemeni counterpart, Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, who was in Russia on a work visit. The main topic of the agenda of the talks was the military, political and humanitarian situation in Yemen, where for over six years the armed confrontation between the Houthis and the army of the official Yemeni authorities — headed by President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi — has continued.
Taliban, Assad continue to unite Russia, Iran
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a working visit to Tehran on April 13, where he held talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. The Russian foreign minister was also received by the President Hassan Rouhani and parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The key issue on the agenda of the meetings was the prospect of the return of Washington and Tehran to the Iran nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Russian FM’s visit to Egypt helps counter Erdogan’s regional moves
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a visit to Cairo April 12, where talks focused on bilateral ties and regional conflicts — including Egypt and Sudan’s dispute with Ethiopia over the mega-dam Addis Ababa is constructing on the Nile. Lavrov also held talks with General Intelligence Service chief Abbas Kamel.
US cooling could help Russia boost ties with Saudi Arabia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this month as part of his tour of the Gulf countries. Lavrov was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 10 and met with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Unlike the top Russian diplomat’s meetings in Abu Dhabi and Doha, no major statements came out of his stop in Riyadh, nor were any important initiatives adopted. Yet the importance of this trip should not be underestimated.
Russia Challenging U.S. Influence in Gulf
(Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar on March 9-11 took place against the backdrop of uncertainty among these states about their future relations with the new US administration, which is rethinking many of President Donald Trump's approaches to Middle East affairs.
Russian foreign minister’s visit aimed at challenging US influence in Gulf
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar on March 9-11 took place against the backdrop of uncertainty among these states about their future relations with the new US administration, which is rethinking many of President Donald Trump's approaches to Middle East affairs.
Does ‘Syrian trio’ of Russia, Iran and Turkey have a future?
Feb 19, 2021 On Feb. 16-17, the Russian seaside town of Sochi hosted the 15th round of Syrian peace talks between Russia, Iran and Turkey — the three guarantor countries of the so-called Astana talks. The Astana process began over four years ago, when the trio hosted talks between a Syrian opposition delegation and representatives from Damascus in the Kazakh capital of Nur Sultan (formerly Astana) in January 2017.
Russia Seeks to Outplay U.S. in Libya
On Feb. 5, members of the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) voted on interim leadership for its executive council, selecting Mohammad Younes Menfi as chairman of the Presidency Council and Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah as interim prime minister. The outcome of the vote by the 74-member forum came as a big surprise to external sponsors of the Libyan peace process — and Russia was no exception here.
Russia Seeks to Outplay the U.S. in Libya
Russia Seeks to Outplay the U.S. in Libya While Russia's preferred candidates lost in last week's vote for interim leadership in Libya, Moscow still has a strategy for reinforcing its influence in the country. Read Full Article »
Russia seeks to outplay the US in Libya
Feb 10, 2021 On Feb. 5, members of the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) voted on interim leadership for its executive council, selecting Mohammad Younes Menfi as chairman of the Presidency Council and Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah as interim prime minister. The outcome of the vote by the 74-member forum came as a big surprise to external sponsors of the Libyan peace process — and Russia was no exception here.
Russia treads lightly in Syrian deadlock
Dec 23, 2020 In early December, Russia established three observation posts manned by Russian military police near the town of Ain Issa in northeast Syria. Since then, Moscow has been trying unsuccessfully to persuade the command of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to transfer control of the city to the Russian military or the forces of the Syrian regime in order to avoid a possible attack on it by the pro-Turkish Syrian National Army (SNA).
Russia to establish naval base in Sudan
Nov 17, 2020 Russia plans to establish a military base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast to serve as a logistics center for the Russian navy, according to a draft agreement between Moscow and Khartoum signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and released publicly Nov. 11. The agreement states that Sudan will provide a land plot for the Russian base free of charge for a period of 25 years. It will automatically renew for subsequent 10-year periods.
Can Russia return to Iranian arms market following end of weapons embargo?
Oct 26, 2020 A decadelong UN arms embargo against Iran expired Oct. 18, following failed attempts by Washington to keep the ban in place. With the end of the embargo, Tehran can now begin to buy and export arms, including offensive weapons. Yet questions remain about whether or not weapons sales will proceed — and if they do, who will buy and sell?
Will Russia recruit Syrian Kurds to fight in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict?
Oct 14, 2020 The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service recently issued a statement saying that the escalating armed confrontation in Nagorno-Karabakh, "like a magnet, attracts militants from various kinds of international terrorist structures." The intelligence service said that according to the information available to it, "Mercenaries from international terrorist organizations fighting in the Middle East — in particular Jabhat al-Nusra, Firqat Hamza, the Sultan Murad Division, as well as...
Clashes between US, regime forces present new challenges for Russia in Syria
Aug 25, 2020 A US military facility in northeastern Syria, in the eastern part of the Deir ez-Zor region, came under rocket fire Aug. 19, with several shells falling in the vicinity of a US base near the Conoco oil field. On Aug. 17, an armed incident occurred between an American patrol and Syrian military personnel near the city of Qamishli in adjoining Hasakah province.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Kirill
Contact Kirill, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack