If you asked someone in 2021 to name Russia’s best friends, the answer would have been pretty simple. Belarus. Maybe some neighbors in Central Asia. Fast forward to 2026, and the map of who is russia allies looks like a completely different world. It’s no longer just about former Soviet republics hanging onto old times. Now, it’s a gritty, practical network of countries—some helping with drones, some with soldiers, and others just happy to buy discounted oil while the West looks away.
Honestly, the word "ally" is kinda slippery here. In the West, we think of NATO—one for all, all for one. But for Moscow, it’s more like a series of side deals and "partnerships" that range from ride-or-die military pacts to "we’re just business partners."
The Inner Circle: Belarus and the No-Choice Club
Let’s start with the obvious one. Belarus is basically the only country that has stayed by Russia's side through everything, but it’s not exactly a partnership of equals. President Alexander Lukashenko is essentially tied to Putin because, without Moscow’s backing, he probably wouldn't have survived the 2020 protests.
As of early 2026, Belarus serves as a massive parking lot and launchpad for Russian forces. They even host Russian tactical nuclear weapons now. If you're looking for the closest thing to a "true" ally in the traditional sense, this is it. They are part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which is supposed to be Russia’s version of NATO.
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However, the CSTO is feeling a bit shaky these days. Take Armenia, for example. They’ve basically ghosted the group. After Russia didn’t step in to help them during their clashes with Azerbaijan, Armenia started boycotting summits. They haven't officially quit yet, but they’re definitely looking for a new friend group.
The New Heavy Hitters: Iran and North Korea
This is where things get interesting. Before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s relationship with North Korea was "polite but distant." Now? It’s a full-on bromance. In late 2024, they signed a mutual defense treaty. By 2025, reports were flying about thousands of North Korean troops actually being on the ground in Russia.
Kim Jong Un isn’t doing this for fun. He’s getting food, fuel, and probably some high-tech Russian missile secrets in return. It’s a "fire and steel" friendship, as Kim likes to call it.
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Then there’s Iran. If you’ve seen the "Shahed" drones buzzing over Ukrainian cities, you know exactly what Iran brings to the table. They’ve moved beyond just selling drones; they’re actually helping Russia build factories to make them on Russian soil. In exchange, Iran wants Russia's advanced fighter jets and air defense systems. It’s a match made in "anti-Western" heaven.
The "Big Brother" Dynamic with China
You can't talk about who is russia allies without mentioning China. But here’s the thing: China is very careful. They don't call themselves an "ally." They prefer "no-limits partnership."
Basically, China is Russia’s life support. They buy the oil the West won't, and they sell Russia the microchips and components needed to keep their tanks running. But Beijing is also terrified of getting hit by secondary sanctions from the U.S. and Europe. So, they walk a tightrope. They provide "dual-use" tech—stuff that could be for a toaster or a missile—and stay quiet in the UN.
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China is clearly the senior partner here. Putin needs Xi Jinping way more than Xi needs Putin. It's a pragmatic marriage of convenience to challenge what they both call "American hegemony."
The BRICS Factor and the Global South
Beyond the military stuff, Russia is leaning hard into BRICS Plus. As of early 2026, this group has expanded way beyond the original five.
- India: They’ve been friends with Russia for decades. They buy massive amounts of Russian oil and weapons. However, Prime Minister Modi is also cozying up to the U.S. India isn't an ally in a war, but they’re a "friend with benefits" who refuses to condemn Moscow.
- African Nations: Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic have turned to Russia (and specifically the Wagner Group/Africa Corps) for security. They’ve kicked out French troops and invited Russians in.
- Latin America: Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua remain the old-school ideological friends. They don't have much money, but they provide a helpful diplomatic voice in the Americas.
Why This Matters for 2026
The reality is that Russia isn't "isolated" the way people thought they would be. They’ve just traded a relationship with the G7 for a deeper connection with the "Global South" and a few highly militarized partners.
If you're trying to track where this goes next, keep an eye on these actionable points:
- Watch the CSTO Summits: If more countries like Kazakhstan start skipping meetings, Russia’s "near abroad" influence is officially crumbling.
- Monitor the Su-35 Transfers: If Russia actually delivers these advanced jets to Iran, expect the Middle East to get a lot more volatile, which cements the Russia-Iran axis even further.
- The China-Russia Pipeline: Keep tabs on the "Power of Siberia 2" pipeline. If construction finally hits a groove, Russia’s economic future is officially tied to Beijing for the next 30 years.
The world hasn't split into two neat halves. Instead, we have a messy web of countries who are either genuinely scared of Western influence or just see a really good deal in Moscow. Understanding who is russia allies means looking past the flags and seeing who is actually signing the checks and shipping the shells.