Saakashvili’s Successor: Georgia’s “European Course” to Continue
Georgians voted out the man who tried to bring them into Europe yet his successor sees no reason to change course.
Eastern Europe
Belarus, Russia to Stage European Defense Exercise
NATO is not alarmed by the deployment of hundreds of vehicles and thousands of soldiers.
Ukraine Signals Commitment to Europe Despite Russian Threats
Ukraine’s otherwise pro-Russian president says association with the EU will modernize his country.
Russia Unlikely to Pressure Ukraine into Customs Union
Tighter border checks of Ukrainian exports will not convince Russia’s former satellite state to fall in line.
Russia Denies Saudi Deal to Withdraw Assad Support
Russia won’t take the Arabs’ money to influence its diplomacy in the Middle East.
Navalny Media Coverage Reveals Western Anti-Putin Bias
Many outlets make Putin seem worse than he is while glossing over the intolerant tendencies of his opponent.
Outside NATO, Ukraine Could Be Valuable Security Partner
Ukraine’s armed forces can make significant contributions to international operations.
Putin Promises Infrastructure Spending, Investors Skeptical
Russian economic policy seems increasingly statist under Vladimir Putin’s third term.
Ambassador: Russia’s Arms Sales to Syria Provide “Stability”
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations defends his nation’s continued support for the Syrian regime.
Bulgaria’s Right Wins Election Amid Scandals, Unemployment
But former prime minister Boyko Borisov could struggle to form a majority government.
Russia’s Putin Sidelining Liberals in Conservatives’ Favor
The dismissal of the Kremlin’s former chief ideologist seems to confirm a power shift.
Japan’s Abe Seeks Energy, Trade in Russia, Middle East
The Japanese prime minister hopes to boost economic growth ahead of July’s election.
Russia Plans to Deploy Fighter Jets to Belarus
Russia expands its military presence in Belarus, seen as a buffer between it and NATO.
Russia Unmoved by European Missile Shield Adjustment
A senior Russian lawmaker is skeptical about the change in NATO’s missile defense plan.
European Leaders Urge Ukraine to Loosen Russia Ties
Ukraine has three months to prove that it is committed to deepening relations with Europe.