Russia-backed rebel guards his position near division line with Ukrainian army with anti-tank missile near Dokuchaevsk, eastern Ukraine, image by Mstyslav Chernov via Wikimedia CommonsBESA Center Perspectives Paper No. 611, October 11, 2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The conflict in East Ukraine has reached a frozen phase in which neither side is making many gains. Despite agreements, the conflict has not seen any meaningful breakthrough for more than three years. Geopolitical imperatives dictate that progress will be contingent upon either Russia or Ukraine (i.e., the West) conceding their interests. The Ukrainian problem is rooted in the geography of the country as well as …read more