Latest Articles about Europe's East

As ‘Cossack’ Casualties Grow, Ideology Becomes More Important to War Effort

Executive Summary:  Russia’s war in Ukraine has inflicted unprecedented losses on Russian forces, with significant casualties disproportionately affecting regions with large Cossack populations. The Russian government, however, romanticizes Cossack history across society to increase militarization in Russian society. The war has been infused with religious... MORE

Ukraine Targets Russian Forces in Sahel

Executive summary: Ukraine is alleged to be providing military equipment and training to the Tuareg separatist coalition CSP-DPA in its armed struggle against Russian-backed Malian government forces. This support is framed as a strategic move by Ukraine to counter Russian influence in Africa, particularly targeting... MORE

There Should Not Be a Ceasefire Deal with Russia

Executive Summary: Russia remains committed to its long-term strategic goals as it continues its war in Ukraine, including undermining US global influence, fracturing Trans-Atlantic unity, and aligning with authoritarian regimes, such as Iran and North Korea. Russia’s reliance on outdated stockpiles and unconventional resupply shows... MORE

Moscow Prescribes Own Terms For Talks With Trump On Ukraine

Executive Summary:  President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials have begun familiarizing the incoming US administration of Donald Trump with Moscow’s terms and conditions for a political settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war. The Kremlin has noted Trump’s eagerness for a “deal” and expects to... MORE

Belarus Demands a Seat at Russia-Ukraine Negotiation Table

Executive Summary: Minsk is determined to secure a place at any future negotiation table for peace in Ukraine and sees diplomatic opportunities through its role in the peace process. Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and other officials stress that Belarus, as a neighboring and affected state,... MORE

Long-range Capabilities Continue to be Key Deterrent for Ukraine

Executive Summary: Ukraine has significantly increased the frequency, range, and scale of its long-range strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting critical military and economic infrastructure. This has led to disruptions in Russian operations and forced Moscow to implement costly countermeasures. Ukraine is advancing its own... MORE

Perplexed Vladimir Putin Reckons With Outcome of US Elections

Executive Summary: The Kremlin is hopeful that the new US President-elect Donald Trump may disrupt Western unity and potentially ease pressure on Russia, especially concerning sanctions and the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin frames Russia’s confrontation with the West as a global mission,... MORE

Ukraine Aspires to Become Arsenal to the West

Executive Summary: Since the beginning of Russia’s war in 2022, Ukraine has been rapidly transitioning from importing arms to producing them domestically and is working toward becoming a significant player in the global arms market. Ukraine is expanding its production capacity for critical technologies such... MORE