Executive Summary: On February 3, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeted paramilitary leader Armen Sarkisian in Moscow, illustrating Ukraine’s strategy to actualize the war for the removed Russians. Through assassinations, the operation into Kursk oblast, and drone warfare, Ukraine alarmed everyday citizens who until... MORE

Executive Summary: Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has secured another five-year presidential term and now seeks to secure the country’s regional and international interests, including a role in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Lukashenka’s first visit, as per tradition, was to Russia, where he sought... MORE

Executive Summary: Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has proposed hosting peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. representatives to negotiate in a “calm” and “neutral” setting. Belarus has a history of hosting peace talks between Ukraine... MORE

Executive Summary: The Kremlin announced its decision in December 2024 to deploy the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM) to Belarus. Minsk, however, does not have complete information about the deployment parameters. One missile regiment of Russian Strategic Missile Forces equipped with 8 to 12 Oreshnik... MORE

Executive Summary: Ukraine holds Europe’s largest reserves of uranium and aims to become self-sufficient in domestic uranium production by 2027. Ukraine and the United States are debating how a critical minerals deal could factor into potential security guarantees or a peace settlement in Russia’s war... MORE

Executive Summary: Russian propagandists are capitalizing on the aftermath of the talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28, highlighting the diplomatic discord. The Kremlin cautiously monitored U.S.-Ukraine negotiations, concerned about economic implications and potential Western unity. While Russian... MORE

Executive Summary: On the third anniversary of the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Western countries imposed new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, banking institutions, and defense industry, reinforcing efforts to weaken its war capabilities. Western sanctions aim to curb Russia’s financial and military strength, primarily... MORE

Executive Summary: The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) faces growing challenges in expanding its influence, as key neighboring states, including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, resist full membership. Russia’s geopolitical ambitions through the EAEU are hindered by competing regional forces, particularly the People’s Republic of China’s growing investment... MORE

Executive Summary: Ukraine and the United States reached a landmark deal on rare earth elements (REEs), with Ukraine allocating proceeds from the future monetization of its mineral resources to fund domestic projects. Washington has emphasized securing REEs and critical minerals from Ukraine in exchange for... MORE

Today, February 24, marks the third anniversary of the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people and their military, with support from allies and partners, have withstood Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked, and brutal assault on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Today, Russia occupies... MORE