Section: The Polish Institute of International Affairs – PISM (Poland)
The Prospects of Freezing the Conflict in Donbas
The almost three-year-long war in eastern Ukraine (Donbas) could become another frozen conflict in the post-Soviet area. The reasons for this are the lack of agreement between Ukraine and Russia on the future of the region and Moscow’s support for the Donbas administration by, for example, giving military support and recognising the civil...
Consequences of the Deterioration of the Situation in Donbas
The recent exacerbation of hostilities in Ukraine’s Donbas is a reaction by Russia-backed “separatists” to actions taken by the Ukraine Armed Forces (UAF), who since December 2016 have been gradually restoring control over territory along the Minsk-agreed separation line. Russia accuses Ukraine of breaching the Minsk agreement and blames...
Problems with Corruption in Ukraine
Under pressure from civil society and international institutions, the Ukrainian authorities have taken steps to reduce corruption. Although these measures have brought initial positive results, corruption remains one of the biggest problems facing the country as any changes meet with resistance from part of the Ukrainian political elite afraid of...
Ukraine’s Reaction to Donald Trump’s Election as U.S. President
Donald Trump’s election as U.S. president has caused anxiety among Ukraine’s authorities, who expected victory for Hillary Clinton and are concerned about her opponent’s declarations regarding possible rapprochement between Washington, D.C. and Moscow. Still, President Petro Poroshenko and his associates will seek to establish...
Strengthening Putin’s Political Position in Russia
The result of the presidential election in the United States will strengthen the political position of Russian President Vladimir Putin, both in terms of internal political power and international relations. Putin’s aim is to extend his regime’s hold on power, via re-election in 2018. He will seek to gain from the electoral defeat of...
The International Dimension of the Fight for Aleppo in Syria
The offensive by Bashar al-Assad’s military, supported by Russian troops, on Aleppo—Syria’s largest city—might be successful. This large-scale operation was facilitated by the improved relations between Russia and Turkey and because the United States has only limited military options at its disposal. If Aleppo falls, Assad will have...
“Kavkaz 2016:” The Next Test of Russia’s Armed Forces
The military exercise “Kavkaz 2016” was the most important test this year of the combat readiness of the Russian Armed Forces. The scenarios carried out in recent months by Russia and Collective Security Treaty Organisation members included a clear political message addressed to neighbouring countries (namely Ukraine) and NATO members, evidenced...
The Arrest of Alleged Ukrainian Saboteurs in Crimea
Russia has announced that it has intercepted a group of Ukrainian saboteurs in Crimea. The FSB has accused them of planning terrorist attacks on the peninsula during Russian parliamentary elections in September 2016. The event may serve as a pretext for Russia to increase pressure on Ukraine in order to make it unilaterally implement the...
NATO-Ukraine Cooperation after the Warsaw Summit
At the Warsaw Summit, NATO decided to maintain its open-door policy towards Ukraine and to provide it with additional assistance. However, Ukraine cannot count on a membership perspective in the near future. Instead, cooperation will focus on adopting NATO standards and strengthening the military capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The...
Transport and Mobility: A New Agenda for the Eastern Partnership
The Eastern Partnership has exploited its potential, so a new offer for upgrades in transport and mobility is required for Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. In their relations with the EU, those policy areas are characterized by a lack of uniform standards and slow advancement of cooperation on projects. To improve this situation, the EU might...
