Section: Institute of Modern Russia (USA)
Nowhere to retreat: Vladimir Putin is trapped in Ukraine
By nearly every available measure, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a disaster for Russia. Yet even as military losses mount and economic sanctions reduce the living standards of ordinary Russians, there is little reason to believe that the Kremlin will change course. By ordering his tanks to cross the border into Ukraine, Vladimir...
How the West reacted to Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly
On April 21, Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly. Instead of making a big announcement (like in his 2014 Crimea speech) as was predicted by many experts against the backdrop of Russian military buildup at Ukraine’s border, the Russian president mainly drew upon domestic and social affairs. IMR has...
Why negotiations on Donbass failed
On April 16-20, another attempt was made to resolve the military conflict in eastern Ukraine. France, Germany, and Ukraine (Trilateral Contact Group) convened for consultations, with Russia joining the talks (“Normandy format”). Once again, the negotiations ended in stalemate, as the parties failed to agree on measures to reduce escalation on the...
“Mariupol Crisis”
In recent weeks, the Biden administration has drawn a tough line with Moscow. In an interview with IMR, political commentator Andrei Piontkovsky dissects the state of U.S-Russian relations, the Western sanctions, and the growing crisis in Ukraine. …read more Source:: Institute of Modern...
How Russia, Poland, and Ukraine Try to Revise WWII History
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II—the war that has largely shaped the modern world order. As countries prepare to celebrate another year of peace in Europe, it is clear that unresolved political rifts, old and new, are pushing some leaders to revise the history of the war for their own political gains. …read...
Why U.S.-Iran Conflict Suits Russia
The January 3 drone strike that killed Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad triggered a sharp escalation between Iran and the U.S., causing an array of serious repercussions across the region, including the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet. While a slim majority of Americans support the strike, many are concerned with the increased risk...
How Putin’s Russia Works
In his most recent book Anders Aslund details the current state of affairs in Putin’s Russia and provides an overview of the system that he defines as “crony capitalism.” The book serves as a good primer of the subject, offering a useful meta-analysis and integrating points. …read more Source:: Institute of Modern...
Why Russia Needs a “Sovereign Runet”
The official goal of the “sovereign internet” bill signed by Vladimir Putin into law on May 1 is to secure the uninterrupted operation of the Runet in case of disconnection from the global infrastructure of the World Wide Web. In reality, this law allows the Russian government to gain centralized control over the Runet and, if need be, to shut...
Trump-Putin Meeting at G-20: All Talk and No Action
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G-20 summit, which opens in Osaka on June 28. Despite overwhelming media attention, no “new deal” is in the cards, but both leaders will use the opportunity to score political points. …read more Source:: Institute of Modern...
Un-Freedom of the Press
Over the last month, two events have shaken up a small corner of the Russian media landscape, which continues to strive for integrity and independence. A Meduza reporter got arrested on bogus charges of drug possession, but was eventually acquitted. Prior to that, Kommersant’s entire political desk resigned over the owner’s...
