Imperial Restoration: Russia’s Foreign Policy Imperatives
Russia must have preponderance in its “near abroad” in order to satisfy its insecurity complex.
Russia
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.
New Greek Government Sympathetic to Putin’s Russia
Greece’s new leaders advocate closer relations with Russia and question the usefulness of NATO.
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.
Balkans Vulnerable to Russian Meddling, Expert Warns
If Russia wants to force Europe’s attention away from Ukraine, it could make trouble in the Balkans.
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.
German Foreign Minister Warns Against More Russia Sanctions
Frank-Walter Steinmeier argues it is not in Europe’s interest to bring Russia to its knees.
American-Russian Economic War Yet to Bend Either Side
Both Russia and the United States accept short-term economic pain for longer-term strategic goals.
Military Activity in Eastern Europe Surges Amid Ukraine Crisis
NATO steps up its presence in Eastern Europe in response to “unprecedented” Russian military activity.
Russia Believed to Give Up on Donetsk, Luhansk Self-Rule
Allowing Ukraine to retake its rebel provinces will not get Russia back in favor with the West.
Putin Seeks Rapprochement in Uzbekistan
For Russia, it is imperative to prevent Uzbekistan from drifting out of its sphere of influence.
Improving Russian-Turkish Relations a Threat to the West
Turkey can check Russian ambitions in the Black Sea or allow it to dominate the Caucasus.
Russia Cancels South Stream Citing European Opposition
The pipeline’s cancellation is hardly an economic loss for Russia. It was always a political project.
Moldova Next? Voters Asked to Choose Between Europe, Russia
The choice Moldovans face is reminiscent of recent events in Ukraine.