Putin’s Illusions about Crimea
In the recent plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum [on September 3 in Vladivostok], Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the issue of Crimea’s ownership is historically closed.Despite the adamant tone, such statements do not show Russia’s confidence but instead reveal the Kremlin’s vulnerability on this issue....
Separatists of the world unite in Moscow while Russia steps up repression of Crimean Tatars
The Kremlin is funding a second separatist jamboree in Moscow on Sept 25. The event which purports to unite “parties and movements advocating for self-determination”, and which Russian embassies tout as in defence of minorities, will be held 4 days before the Supreme Court appeal against Russia’s criminalization of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis,...
The Geo-economic Challenges of the Eurasian Space
The crisis in Ukraine has focused attention on military power as the main driver of events in the region. Yet, a number of geo-economic projects—proposed new pipelines and transport corridors—have the potential to dramatically reshape the politics and balances of the Eurasian space. What opportunities do they present, and how do the current...
Ukraine’s Consolidation and What It Means for the West
Maintaining pressure on Kyiv to deliver meaningful reforms while convincing the Kremlin to engage seriously in diplomacy is the challenge for Western policymakers. …read more Source: Carnegie Endowment for International...
Ukraine Cheers Record Haul of Paralympic Medals
At Rio Games, country outcompetes sporting powerhouses like the United States and Australia. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
Maimed Ukrainian Hostage Finally Exchanged by Kremlin-Backed Militants
After several promised exchanges fell through, Volodymyr Zhemchugov, who has been held for almost a year, blinded, maimed and in a terrible state, has finally been released as part of an exchange of two hostages for four supporters of the Donbas militants held by Ukraine’s SBU …read more Source: Kharkiv Human Rights Protection...
Russia Endorses Plan to Keep Russia from Shooting Ukrainians (Subject to Revision)
Exciting news from the world of high diplomacy: Russia has endorsed a plan to have separatists in Eastern Ukraine (read: Russians) who have, with Russian (their own) backing tied up the mild laughingstock that is Ukraine’s armed forces in an unwinnable conflict, cease shooting those same Ukrainian forces for a week. Give or take. Subject to...
Naftogaz says charter change threatens gas purchases from Europe
Ukraine has changed the charter of Naftogaz in violation of a deal with foreign creditors, in a move that could hold up a $500 million loan for vital gas purchases from Europe, the state-run energy firm said on Friday (16 September). …read more Source:...
Russia: Displaced Ukrainian children go back to school – fully equipped
Video | Displaced Ukrainian children in southern Russia have received back-to-school kits from the ICRC. A new school year has started for many children displaced from eastern Ukraine to southern Russia. …read more Source: International Committee of the Red...
Chechnya’s Unexpected Friends in Israel
Muslim leaders gathered in Grozny issue divisive rules favoring the Chechen leader’s brand of Islam. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
