Content

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2025

Europe is striking back at Russia’s shadow fleet. Here’s what to know about the latest EU and UK sanctions.

By Atlantic Council experts

This week, Brussels and London unveiled new sanctions against Russia and the fleet of oil tankers and other vessels covertly trading in Russian oil. Atlantic Council experts assess the moves.

Conflict
Economic Sanctions

UkraineAlert

May 21, 2025

Putin aims to destroy Ukraine and has zero interest in a compromise peace

By Peter Dickinson

Russia’s ongoing campaign to destroy Ukraine as a state and as a nation is taking place in front of the watching world and makes a complete mockery of US-led efforts to broker some kind of compromise peace, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict
Disinformation

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2025

Golden Dome creates a new missile defense bargain with US partners

By Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

As it works toward realizing its Golden Dome initiative, the Trump administration should hold a revived missile defense dialogue with its allies and partners in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Europe & Eurasia
Indo-Pacific

MENASource

May 21, 2025

Iran’s shadow looms large over the Houthi ceasefire

By Fatima Abo Alasrar and Behnam Ben Taleblu

The Houthis may have suspended their attacks on US vessels, but it’s too soon for another “mission accomplished” in the Middle East.

Iran
Maritime Security

EnergySource

May 21, 2025

Replace the Inflation Reduction Act with FUEL-AI

By Joseph Webster

To compete in the global AI race, the United States must dramatically expand its power supply. Replacing the Inflation Reduction Act with the FUEL-AI Act would reorient energy policy toward national security, fast-tracking domestic energy production and infrastructure to power America’s AI future.

Energy & Environment
Energy Transitions

GeoTech Cues

May 21, 2025

To build tomorrow’s power grid, the United States should look to geothermal energy

By Sudeep Kanungo, Will LaRivee

Geothermal energy offers a promising solution for stable, reliable baseload power. But to unlock its full potential, the US government must take action to reduce the barriers to entry for industry.

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

May 20, 2025

US-Ukraine minerals deal creates potential for economic and security benefits

By Svitlana Kovalchuk

The recently signed US-Ukrainian minerals deal places bilateral ties on a new footing and creates opportunities for long-term strategic partnership, writes Svitlana Kovalchuk.

Conflict
Critical Minerals

UkraineAlert

May 20, 2025

How to prevent Ukraine’s booming defense sector from fueling global insecurity

By Vitaliy Goncharuk

With the Ukrainian defense sector experiencing years of unprecedented growth in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, it is important to prevent Ukraine’s innovative military technologies from fueling a new wave of international instability, writes Vitaliy Goncharuk.

Conflict
Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2025

Putin continues to thwart Trump’s goal of achieving a cease-fire

By John E. Herbst

The US and Russian presidents held a two-hour call on May 19. But was any real movement made toward ending Russia's war in Ukraine?

Conflict
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2025

Portugal’s shift to the right is accelerating. What does that mean for its future?

By Andrew Bernard

The center-right Democratic Alliance won the May 18 election, while the far-right Chega party continued its rise. With the main center-left party losing seats, there is now an absolute majority on the right.

Elections
European Union