Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for rebel forces in Eastern Ukraine have precipitated a dramatic fracture in relations between between Russia and the West. In response, a broad Western economic sanctions regime has bitten into the Russian economy, and the United States has sought to shore up support among Eastern European and Baltic states. The annexation and response represent a major test-case for international governance, principles of sovereignty and the reliability of the American security umbrella, particularly NATO.
Latest in Russia and Eastern Europe
A war crimes indictment stymied scheduled U.S.-hosted talks between Kosovo and Serbia. What’s the U.S.’s diplomatic interest in the negotiations?
Moscow’s bounty program fits a pattern of Russian policy in Afghanistan rooted in the country’s desire to maintain influence in its near abroad.
In a statement withdrawing from the treaty, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Russia of flagrantly violating its provisions. Were those allegations justified? If so, on what grounds?
Russia initially seemed largely unscathed by the pandemic. But the virus has since arrived in full force. How has the country responded?
Russia appears to have resumed anti-satellite weapons testing. What’s so dangerous about the Russian tests? What can the U.S. do to respond?
Designation of the Russian Imperial Movement as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist is an important step, but it should be designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization, too.
The coronavirus has accelerated a decade-long democratic crisis in Hungary, during which Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has weaponized rhetoric and manufactured outside threats to gradually consolidate his power.
Increased tension between the United States and Russia, coupled with policy uncertainty in Washington, has thrown the nuclear arms agreement’s extension into doubt.
Russia wants to build another natural gas pipeline that bypasses Ukraine for Europe. How does the proposed project threaten Ukrainian and U.S. interests? What has the U.S. done to respond?
A five-year extension will preserve the treaty's benefits and provide more time for negotiations regarding Russia's new weapons systems.