Executive Summary: The Kremlin celebrated veterans on Victory Day, portraying World War II and Russia’s war against Ukraine both as fights against Nazism to justify the full-scale invasion, boost public support, and consolidate veterans’ pro-regime sentiment. Russian President Vladimir Putin created the “Time of Heroes”... MORE

Executive Summary: The leaders of Russia’s federal subjects are handling three issues—abortion, alcohol sales, and migrant groups—so differently that people are traveling to different regions to take advantage, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin homogenizing the Russian legal field. The Kremlin could likely put an end... MORE

Executive Summary: Tashkent is positioning itself as a mediator between Taliban-led Afghanistan and the international community, advocating for integration rather than isolation since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in 2021. Uzbekistan aims to turn Afghanistan into a strategic trade hub, offering access to... MORE

Executive Summary: Armenia’s political climate is heating up ahead of the 2026 elections, with a gradually more emboldened opposition poised to exploit frustrations with attempts to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye to oust Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from power. A finalized peace treaty with... MORE

Executive Summary: On May 7, Azerbaijan announced that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev would not attend Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Azerbaijani media attributed the visit cancellation to a series of negative developments... MORE

Executive Summary: Central Asian governments have traditionally viewed outmigration as a way to reduce unemployment and provide additional cash flow for the population and government through payments sent home, but the problems this outmigration has led to in Central Asia are gaining more attention. These... MORE

Executive Summary: The Georgian parliament is discussing a migration reform package, drafted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, aimed at curbing illegal migration and perceived foreign political interference. It introduces strict penalties, including lifetime bans for foreigners deemed disruptive. The reforms follow increasing foreign participation... MORE

Executive Summary: Talks in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine on May 16 occurred under low expectations, resulting in high diplomatic posturing despite the discussions resulting in minimal progress Western leaders have pushed for a ceasefire, prompting renewed engagement from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is... MORE

Executive Summary: On May 16, in Istanbul, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met for the first time in more than three years of war to discuss a ceasefire. The Kremlin rejected this Western-backed initiative, countered with an old set of ceasefire preconditions, and introduced more insurmountable... MORE