Russia

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has significantly altered regional security dynamics in the Black Sea. We explore four potential scenarios for the next decade and argue that the EU needs to invest more in the security of the region.

China and Russia have increased their military cooperation, regularly conducting joint exercises in or near disputed areas or adversaries’ waters. The EU must closely monitor the locations, nature and objectives of these exercises to gain insight into Moscow & Beijing’s...

The death of Alexei Navalny is an indictment of Vladimir Putin’s regime. But his immense personal courage in opposing Putin’s rule is a reminder that there exists another Russia beyond cheering Kremlin loyalists and a subservient population. Navalny succeeded in exposing the base...

A decade after the Maidan uprising, EU leaders have made the historic decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. But is the initial mood of jubilation that greeted this decision misplaced?

For Georgia the clock is ticking as in autumn 2023 the EU will decide whether to grant the country candidacy status. This Brief assesses how both domestic and external factors affect Georgia’s EU integration prospects and examines the obstacles on its path, including the impact...

This Brief explores the sphere in which Russia’s state-controlled irregular armed groups operate, focusing in particular on the notorious Wagner Group and their impact on violent conflicts.

Brussels put together an exceptionally hard sanctions package in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This Brief evaluates their effectiveness and concludes that while sanctions are taking time to produce effects, their impact will be long-lasting and hard to reverse.

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its eighth month, this Brief explores the impact of the war on the countries of the eastern neighbourhood, where it has had significant economic, demographic and geopolitical repercussions.