TODAY: Russia and Egypt poised to make military deal; Gazprom increases pressure on Ukraine; Khodorkosky appeal; Politkovskaya jury dismissed; Pavlensky investigated; Tolokonnikova in hospital; emotional Putin; Beatle demands freedom for Arctic 30.

Relations with Egypt are on the verge of a dramatic shift: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is in Cairo for high level and potentially ‘historic’ talks, aiming to develop military cooperation and a possible $2 billion arms deal.  Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy denied that his country is looking for an alternative to U.S. support and that Russia is too important to be a substitute, despite the talks following hot on the heels of America’s decision to suspend most of a billion-dollar military aid package.  One analyst commented, ‘It is clear that Russia is trying to capitalize — politically, militarily and economically — on the United States’ disengagement with Egypt.’  Another suggested that any deals brokered will only be able to go so far: ‘The only thing Russia really has to offer Egypt […] will be weapons.’  The BBC looks at Russia’s growing influence in the Middle East, country-by-country.  Gazprom says Ukraine will not have enough gas in its reservoirs to guarantee supplies to Europe this winter, calling the situation a ‘catastrophe’.  The Times says Ukraine may be forced to cancel its planned trade deal with Europe and fall back under the Kremlin’s influence, partly because it has not been able to secure the release of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.