Section: Atlantic Council (USA)
Thank You, George!
In his 2011 essay, “My Philanthropy,” George Soros described his approach to charitable giving. “I relish confronting harsh reality, and I am drawn to tackling seemingly insoluble problems,” he wrote. Indeed, it is with a consistent determination, generosity, and unwavering faith in Ukraine’s potential that Soros...
Memo to Presidential Candidates: The Putin Problem Isn’t Going Away
Foreign-policy challenges will keep the next commander-in-chief up late. Analysts focus on the threat that Islamic State poses to the United States and its allies, but the Putin problem is unlikely to fade. As the candidates gear up for the next round of debates—slated for December 15 and 19—it’s time to take stock of the threat the Russian...
Battle for Donetsk Airport: Haunting Documentary Captures Ukrainian Resilience
A haunting message from a Ukrainian soldier closes “Airport Donetsk,” a documentary about the 200-day siege that ended in January 2015.”I can’t sleep at all,” said the downcast survivor. “I see them…I see my guys in my dreams.”He was one of a dozen Ukrainians and Russians interviewed for this film...
Russian Military and Mercenaries Directly Implicated in Torture of Ukrainian Prisoners
Ukrainian human rights activists believe that over 87 percent of Ukrainian soldiers and half the civilians who have been taken prisoner by Kremlin-backed, pro-Russian militants in the Donbas have been subjected to torture or ill treatment. Additionally, in over 40 percent of the so-called “interrogations,” key roles were played by...
Even in Theater, War and Displacement Has No Room in Ukraine
As I was walking up Kyiv’s colorful Andriyivsky descent on December 6, three explosions pierced the quiet evening. No one stopped examining the myriad souvenirs on sale in the booths lining the street, no one showed any fear or ran for cover. On the third explosion, one exasperated man exclaimed “Who the hell is blowing up those...
Biden to Ukraine: “The United States stands firmly with the people of Ukraine”
“Today Russia is occupying sovereign Ukrainian territory. Let me be crystal clear: the United States does not, will not, [and] never will recognize Russia’s attempt to annex the Crimea,” US Vice President Joe Biden said in a December 8 address to Ukraine’s parliament.The parliament gave Biden a standing ovation. Geoffrey...
The IMF Outfoxes Putin: Policy Change Means Ukraine Can Receive More Loans
Today the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will reverse its “policy on not lending into arrears.” Historically, the IMF has refused to lend to any country that has not serviced its debt to any sovereign. The IMF staff started contemplating a rule change in the spring of 2013 because nontraditional creditors,...
Putin’s Goal is a New Yalta
I recently met with Ilya Yashin, a Russian opposition leader, political activist, and former colleague of the assassinated politician Boris Nemtsov. When I asked Yashin what the West could do to help those brave enough to defy the Russian regime, his main point was that governments and organizations must support Ukraine.The reason is obvious:...
Nord Stream 2: Downgrading Europe’s Security of Supply Where it Matters
Nord Stream 2 is the latest Russian incarnation meant to bypass Ukraine and bring its gas directly to the European border. It would double the existing Nord Stream capacity to 110 billion cubic meters/year with two additional strings between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea. In spite of a recently signed shareholders agreement between...
Take It to the Next Level: Create a Biden-Poroshenko Commission
Ukraine has made great strides in the last two years. The democratic and pro-Western Ukrainian leaders that gained power in February 2014 have returned democracy to Ukraine and have conducted three free and fair elections at all levels of power. The Ukrainian nation has come together and successfully defended itself against Russian aggression....
