On-line Intelligence Bulletin of the European Press Agency
By Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
The 13 March provisional agreement between Gazprom and the European Commission represents a return to economics in the complex energy relation between Russia and the European Union. Continue reading “Gazprom and UE, a return to the reason”
By Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
Since late 2016, questions have raised about the way Putin’s Russia can, or cannot, mark the dual centenaries of the February and October revolutions. The need for caution is all too obvious. The history of the Revolution “that shocked the world” has never been simply a matter for historians – in the West, just as in the communist world. Continue reading “1917 – A problematic celebration”
Everyone loses: The Ukraine crisis and the ruinous contest for post-Soviet Eurasia, by Samuel Charap and Timothy J.Colton. International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Recently rewed fighting between rebel and government forces in eastern Ukraine calls attention to the costs for all parties of their struggle for control of the territory. Samuel Charap is a Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the IISS. Timothy Colton a Professor of Government and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University. In their extensive and generally impartial appraisal, it helps to pick out examples. Continue reading “About the Ukraine crisis: everyone loses”
By Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
As predicted, the latest summit between EU and Ukraine (24-25 November) ended with a lot of warm words about “strengthening the partnership” and “EU support for Ukraine’s reformist efforts”. This is almost verbatim what was heard during numerous previous meetings, notably during the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko, another leader elected on the enthusiasm of a Maidan revolution, who has since vanished in oblivion. Continue reading “The November EU/Ukraine summit: Grounds for caution”
by Andrew Wilson and Nina Bachkatov
The Kremlin was not hoping for a president Trump, but simply as anyone other than Hillary Clinton. But it would certainly have preferred a more ‘traditional’ partner with whom to restore bilateral relations and settle international conflicts Continue reading “Russia and Trump’s victory: recognising “anti-establishment” diversity”
by Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
The 50th edition of Strategic Survey of the International Institute for Strategic Studies includes a lively chapter on Russia’s entry into the Middle Eastern power scene, involving its relations with the United States over Syria. Continue reading “Syria provides a post-Soviet foothold”
by Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
On 18 September, the Russians will vote to elect new parliamentary deputies, including four to represent Crimea. Foreign analysts have tended to treat the elections dismissively because of the limited role of the Duma in political life. But in fact they are the focus of an important shift in interest on the part of the Kremlin. Continue reading “Russian elections: Kremlin sees need of more credibility and pluralism”