Putin Doesn’t Care About the Rules Anymore
The Russian leader has decided that if Western countries don’t keep their commitments, neither should he.
Eastern Europe
Ukraine Pushes Offensive in East, Rebels in Disarray
The speed of the Ukrainian army’s offensive seems to have taken the rebels’ leaders by surprise.
Dutch Hold Off on Military Mission to Ukraine Crash Site
The Netherlands fear military intervention would get in the way of repatriating the victims.
Australians, Dutch Send Military Police to Ukraine Crash Site
The two countries send military police to secure the Malaysia Airlines crash site in Ukraine.
Why Even an Airplane Crash Won’t Make Putin Back Down
Russia’s propaganda has so strongly made the Ukrainian separatists’ case that it cannot back down now.
Despite Plane Deaths, Dutch Careful Not to Antagonize Russia
Almost 200 of their nationals died in Ukraine, but the Dutch are reluctant to blame Russia.
Passenger Jet Crashes in Eastern Ukraine, Kiev Accuses Rebels
Ukraine accuses pro-Russian militants of shooting down an airliner that crashed in the east of the country.
Ukraine Signs Europe Pact, Recaptures Rebel Stronghold
After finalizing an association agreement with the European Union, Ukraine’s forces retake Sloviansk.
Likely Future Premier: Bulgaria Could Pull Out of South Stream
Boyko Borisov says construction of the Russian pipeline will only go ahead if it complies with EU law.
By Cutting Gas, Russia Forces Ukraine to Make Painful Choice
Ukraine must either leave its own citizens in the cold or antagonize its new European friends.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Sending Tanks to Separatists
Three Ukrainian tanks were supposedly seized by Russia in the Crimea and then given to separatists in the east.
Ukraine’s Poroshenko Willing to Talk, But with Whom?
The separatists are so divided, it is difficult to find anyone Ukraine’s president could negotiate with.
Bulgaria Suspends Involvement in Russia’s South Stream Pipeline
If Bulgaria pulls out of South Stream, Russia’s design to bypass Ukraine in its gas deliveries to Europe will be jeopardized.
After Election, Ukraine Renews Offensive Against Separatists
Ukraine’s government interprets its election victory as a mandate for decisive action against the rebels.
Ukraine Separatists Ask to Join Russia After Referendums
Russia respects the referendums as an “expression of the people’s will” but stops short of endorsing the appeal.