
Latest Articles about Russia

Ukraine Brings War Home to Russia
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

Russia’s Plans for Abkhazia are Expanding
Executive Summary: The new Abkhaz de facto leadership is staunchly pro-Russia, and Moscow hopes that a new leader will eventually pass through the long-expected legislation on foreign investments in Abkhazia. Russia has expanded support for Abkhazia, using aid, infrastructure projects, and political backing despite economic... MORE

Moscow Using High Unemployment to Try to Control Most Recalcitrant of Republics
Executive Summary: Ingushetia, a republic in Russia’s North Caucasus, is being pacified and kept dependent on Moscow as intentional Kremlin policies, rather than policy failures or Ingush shortcomings, are causing high unemployment. Moscow has often used Ingushetia to test out policies and if it concludes... MORE

Russian Energy Shortages Require Bans, Tariffs, and Purchasing Electricity From China
Executive Summary: Russia is experiencing energy shortages and electricity generation problems exacerbated by its war against Ukraine, sanctions, and cryptocurrency mining. Russia’s electricity exports to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) significantly dropped in 2024 due to energy deficits in the Far East, and these... MORE

Russia Lacks ‘International’ Factor in Preparations For 6th International Arctic Forum
Executive Summary: Moscow is attempting to signal its leadership of Arctic affairs with the sixth meeting of the International Arctic Forum (IAF) on March 26–27. As Russia continues its war against Ukraine, the planned IAF program reflects Moscow’s isolation from most international Arctic partnerships, while... MORE

Moscow Warns Oslo on Svalbard but Suggests ‘Deal’ with United States on Arctic
Executive Summary: Moscow has declared that Oslo strengthening its defenses on Svalbard is a violation of the Svalbard Treaty, implying that Russia views itself as a defender of that treaty and could take military action to defend it. Nikolai Patrushev, a hardline Kremlin aide close... MORE

Russia and Iran Manage Diverging Interests in South Caucasus
Executive Summary: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the wide-ranging Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on January 17 to boost bilateral relations for further progress in areas including opposition to NATO expansion, the North-South Corridor, and the 3+3 format. Moscow and... MORE

Lukashenka Balances Internal Challenges with External Dependencies
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

Belarus Offers to Host Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine
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

Declining Caspian Water Levels Threaten Russian and Chinese Corridor Plans
Executive Summary: The Caspian Sea’s declining water levels are reducing the amount of cargo that ships can carry, undermining Russia and the People’s Republic of China’s capability to use the sea for their north-south and east-west trade networks. Both Russia and the People’s Republic of... MORE