Section: The Polish Institute of International Affairs – PISM (Poland)
Russia Beefs Up Military Potential in the Country’s Western Areas
Russia has intensively strengthened its military in the Western and Southern districts. These activities are not simply a response to the decisions of NATO, which is strengthening its Eastern Flank, but are strategic in nature. They also pose a challenge to Ukraine and Belarus as Russia have increased the number and capabilities of its combat...
The DCFTA’s Impact on the Modernisation of Ukraine’s Economy
To make full use of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, it will not be enough for Ukraine to implement EU norms and technical standards. The Ukrainian government should create transparent and stable regulations and simplify the business environment. In this respect, legislative approximation in sectors covered by the DCFTA...
Banning the Majlis: Another Manifestation of Russian Repression of the Crimean Tatars
On 26 April, the Supreme Court of Crimea banned the Majlis, the representation of Crimean Tatars, recognising it as an extremist organisation. Thus, Russia has eliminated opposition activity by the Crimean Tatars, replacing the Majlis with Russian-created structures that present the façade of representing the Tatar community. The growing Russian...
The Scale and Importance of the Financial Assistance to Ukraine
Ukraine’s new government will face a challenge of continuing the process of macroeconomic stabilisation of the country. Implementing the IMF agreement to receive the next tranche of financial assistance should be a priority. International creditor support is essential in order to continue down the path of economic growth. However, the...
Yatsenyuk’s Resignation and the Formation of Ukraine’s Next Government
With Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s resignation, President Petro Poroshenko has entrusted the mission of creating a new cabinet to his close associate, Volodymyr Hroysman, believed to be a reformer. However, the next prime minister will be held hostage by the president’s strategy of half-hearted reform and temporary compromise...
The Netherlands Referendum on the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement: What Is the Effect of the “No” Vote?
In a referendum in the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 6 April, 61% of voters were against ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Their decision may delay Ukraine’s integration with the EU and will strengthen those political forces in Ukraine that oppose the country’s modernisation and cooperation with international...
Russia’s Military Operation in Syria: A New Stage
Russian President Vladimir Putin on 14 March announced his decision to remove part of the country’s military contingent from Syria. However, this step does not mean the end of Russia’s military presence in that country, especially since the aims of its operation in Syria have been only partially reached. Although Russia managed to...
Poroshenko’s Risky Play with Ukraine’s Government
The Ukrainian parliament on 16 February did not back a vote of no confidence in the government. Voting was conducted at the request of the two parties of the ruling coalition after sharp criticism by President Petro Poroshenko of Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Paradoxically, however, the government was able to remain in place mainly because,...
The Oligarchs Are Becoming Stronger in Ukraine
Despite repeated attempts to undertake reforms aimed at increasing the transparency of the state, Ukraine remains a country in which oligarchs play a key and the negative role. They control a significant part of industry and the most important media. The most recent local elections showed that they are building their own political centres and...
The Meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill, and Its Political Significance for Ukraine and Russia
The meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, which took place on 12 February in Havana, has a special religious and political meaning. Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill signed a joint statement in which they referred, among other things, to current events in the world, mainly to conflicts in the Middle East and...
