RUSSIA/UKRAINE: Renewed war with Ukraine would bring few benefits to Moscow
Russia’s saber-rattling near Donbas and Crimea is likely driven by Kyiv’s actions against pro-Kremlin figures/entities in Ukraine, the growing tensions between Moscow and the West as well as domestic pressures within Russia. However, a major escalation of the conflict with U… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail […]
RUSSIA: Vaccine diplomacy overshadows domestic immunization campaign
Russia is relying on vaccine diplomacy to bolster its reputation abroad amid deteriorating relations with the West and looming threat of sanctions. Low public trust in domestic vaccines from Covid-19, their production bottlenecks and Moscow’s focus on vaccine diplomacy h… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Navalny’s sidelining weakens both opposition and Putin
The sentencing of the Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny leaves the country’s opposition without its most effective leader. While the protest momentum will likely fade amid limited prospects to achieve political change and repressive measures used by authorities, it could reemerge on … Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Quick sanctions over protests and Navalny’s arrest unlikely
Protests across Russia are likely to continue until the resolution of Alexey Navalny’s case. This puts the Kremlin in a challenging position to limit Navalny’s influence and constrain the protests’ momentum without exacerbating public discontent and provoking a tougher internat… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CAUCASUS: Escalation in fighting unlikely to turn into a regional conflict
Renewed clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh are not expected to evolve into a wider conflict despite Turkey’s backing of Azerbaijan and Russia’s close ties with Armenia. Geopolitical considerations and economic constraints on both sides point to (eventual) de-escalation as the m… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA/US: Expanded Nord Stream 2 sanctions loom
The expansion of US sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) pipeline could further push back the completion of the project. However, a potentially drawn out adoption process in the US would limit the effectiveness of the proposed measures. Regardless of the sanctions, Gazprom will … Become a member to read the rest of […]
GERMANY/RUSSIA: Merkel’s statement triggers Nord Stream debate
Chancellor Angela Merkel has reacted with – by her standards – an outspoken statement to the latest news in the case of Alexei Navalny. Yesterday, medical specialists had concluded that the Russian opposition politician currently under treatment in Berlin’s Charité hospital, had… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Navalny’s sidelining will not quell protests
The sidelining of a prominent Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny, will further weaken the divided and marginalized opposition. However, rising civic activism and leaderless protests in Russia’s regions are becoming a new headache for the Kremlin. The ruling United Russia (UR)’s attem… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Constitutional changes shed little light on Putin’s post-2024 plans
Yesterday, 1 July, Russia concluded a week-long nationwide vote on 206 amendments to the country’s 1993 constitution. The approved constitutional amendments aim to give legitimacy to President Vladimir Putin’s potential re-election after his current term expires in 2024 and quell… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Nationwide vote to legitimize Putin’s post-2024 plans
Russians are expected to approve more than 200 changes to the 1993 Russian constitution in the postponed nationwide poll taking place between 25 June and 1 July. Voters have an option of casting their ballots online, at traditional polling stations, or at other pre-registered loc… Become a member to read the rest of this […]