Ukraine Would Be Better Off Cutting the Donbas Loose
The separatist republics are in ruins and its people’s minds have been poisoned by Russian propaganda.
Eastern Europe
Turkey Coup Continues Destabilization Spiral in Black Sea
The coup attempt in Turkey is the latest in a series of events that have undermined stability in the region.
Ostpolitik Is Not Going to Work This Time
Social Democrats believe accommodation will moderate Russia’s behavior. They are wrong.
Putin Removes Medvedev Appointees in Security Shakeup
It looks like the Russian leader is worried enough about his position to take preemptive action.
Putin’s Russia Is Taking a Dangerous Turn
Russia’s economic and foreign-policy crises are testing a system that feeds on national emergencies to the limit.
Groisman’s Elevation Does Not Bode Well for Ukraine
Ukraine’s new prime minister is a lackey for a president who has refused to clean up its rotten political system.
As Yatseniuk Resigns, Blame Shifts to Poroshenko
Ukraine’s president may have prevailed in a backroom fight with his premier; he now draws the people’s ire.
Panama Papers Prove the Perils of One-Party Rule
Every political system has corruption, but multiparty democracy provides the best safeguards against it.
Tymoshenko Throws Doubt on Ukraine Deal
The former prime minister raises new demands at the last minute for her party to reenter the government.
Ukraine Parties to Form New Government
An ally of President Petro Poroshenko’s would replace Arseniy Yatseniuk as prime minister.
Satellite Geopolitics in Eastern Europe
If the American-Russian rivalry shifts back to Europe, the focus will be on Hungary, Poland and Romania.
Russia Weaponizes Syrian Refugees: NATO
Russia is worsening the refugee crisis out of Syria in order to break Europe’s political will.
Comrades in Arms
Russia’s intervention in Syria is helping nationalist leaders in Europe by making the refugee crisis worse.
Belarus Caught Between EU and Russia
Belarus is torn between the positive implications of the EU lifting sanctions and the effects of Russia’s economic crisis.
Ukraine’s Yatseniuk Survives Confidence Vote
The prime minister wins a confidence vote but leaves Ukraine’s ruling coalition divided.