Reports from Kyiv indicate that Ukraine is close to restructuring its foreign debt owed to private creditors (Financial Times, Reuters, January 24-28). Should it go through, this deal--which was brokered by the IMF--would ease Ukraine's cash-strapped finances. It could also have broader implications for debt... MORE

Because Moscow is also conducting negotiations with its foreign creditors, a restructured Ukrainian debt could have implications for Russia's external position. In many respects, the two countries are in very different situations. Until January, the Ukrainian government had not formally missed any payments on its... MORE

Ukraine's international image was tarnished and the integrity of its leaders questioned by a report last week alleging that Kyiv had illegally recycled International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan money. Apparently, former Ukrainian Premier Pavlo Lazarenko--who is wanted on corruption charges in Ukraine and money-laundering charges... MORE

Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday used the multilateral Middle East Peace talks which took place in Moscow to make a first appearance of sorts on the international stage. His address was a brief one, and was aimed at outlining in broad terms what Moscow... MORE

Moscow's budding efforts to improve ties with the West are apparently extending also to its long-frozen relations with NATO. Top Russian officials have indicated in recent days that Moscow is prepared to begin resuming contacts with the Western alliance. Even Colonel General Leonid Ivashov, one... MORE

On February 1, the Chechen armed formations defending Djohar, the breakaway republic's capital, left the city and headed into the mountains. On the way out of the city, the rebels engaged Russian units, and two well-known rebel field commanders, Khunkarpasha Israpilov and Islambek Ismailov, were... MORE

The political and military leaderships of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are awaiting the approaching spring with some trepidation. They brace for a possible resumption of activities by militant Islamic groups which are known to be wintering in Afghanistan, are believed to have returned in small... MORE

Like a broken record, U.S. and Russian diplomats went round and round on a host of familiar issues yesterday. The rhetoric, the arguments and the disagreements remained much the same as they have been for several months now. Yet again both sides failed to make... MORE

Ivanov and Albright appeared to have had as little success surmounting differences over arms control as they did over Chechnya. U.S. officials had made it clear prior to Albright's arrival that she intended to use the visit to push yet again for Russia to accept... MORE

Over the last two days, some 120 Chechen fighters have voluntarily surrendered to Russian forces in Djohar, the Chechen capital, leaving the city along a corridor specially created for them (Russian agencies, January 30-31). It is the first instance of Chechen rebels voluntarily surrendering in... MORE