Russia No Longer Interested in Buying French Warships
Russia says it no longer wants the helicopter carriers France is refusing to deliver.
Eastern Europe
Frozen Conflict in Ukraine’s Donbas Becoming More Likely
Neither Kiev nor the separatists are in a position to decisively end the war in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Russia Signs Integration Treaty with South Ossetia
Russia is absorbing Georgia’s breakaway republic on the anniversary of its annexation of the Crimea.
Despite Lull in Fighting, Ukraine Fears Rebel Attack
Ukraine continues to withdraw from the frontlines but fears another assault on the port city of Mariupol.
European Union Seeks Caspian Gas to Limit Russian Imports
The European Commission calls for partnerships with the states around the Caspian Sea.
Communists Back Pro-European Coalition in Moldova
Moldova’s Communists support the pro-European government, but their voters might not.
It’s Too Late to Turn Ukraine Into a Buffer State
The “Finland option” is no longer a viable one for Ukraine because of Russia’s own actions.
French, German Leaders Negotiate Ukraine Ceasefire
Leaders agree to a truce, but Ukraine is still a long way off from ending the war.
NATO Expands Presence Across Eastern Europe
Seeking to dissuade Russia from testing its resolve, NATO beefs up its presence in Eastern Europe.
Support for Arming Ukraine Rises, Risks Remain
The United States are thinking again about giving weapons to Ukraine, even if it could provoke Russia.
Imperial Restoration: Russia’s Foreign Policy Imperatives
Russia must have preponderance in its “near abroad” in order to satisfy its insecurity complex.
European Ministers Agree to Extend Russia Sanctions
Greece had raised doubts about the sanctions but agreed to keep them in place for another six months.
Mariupol Offensive Suggests Russia’s Ambitions Broad
An attack on the port city of Mariupol suggests Russia’s land grab in Ukraine is far from over.
Russia’s Gazprom Says Will End Gas Transits Through Ukraine
The Russian energy conglomerate urges its European customers to link up with a new Turkish pipeline.
Putin’s Holy War: A Challenge the West Underestimates
Secular Westerners underestimate the ideological challenge posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.