This hour of the Global Research News Hour we showcase recent developments in and around Russia and try to determine if this major power is being put on the defensive as things heat up. WE first speak with journalist John Helmer about the apparent poisoning of Alexei Navalny and whether it is the Russians or the Germans who have some explaining to do. Next, we are joined by Belgrade academic Stevan Gijic who takes on the possible coloured revolution in Belarus and the significance of increasing NATO activities in the Russian Region.