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As the world watches the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold, UkraineAlert delivers the best Atlantic Council expert insight and analysis on Ukraine twice a week directly to your inbox.


editor’s picks

Latest analysis


UkraineAlert

Mar 28, 2024

Putin has repeatedly used terror attacks to tighten his grip on Russia

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert">Olivia Yanchik</span>

The March 22 terror attack in Moscow has seriously damaged Putin’s carefully crafted public image as a strongman ruler who offers his subjects security in exchange for restrictions on their personal freedoms, writes Olivia Yanchik.


Conflict


Disinformation


UkraineAlert

Mar 28, 2024

Putin adds Islamist terror to the list of absurd excuses for Ukraine invasion

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert">Peter Dickinson</span>

In addition to imaginary NATO threats and phantom fascists, Putin has now added Islamist terrorism to the expanding list of absurd excuses for the invasion of Ukraine, writes Peter Dickinson.


Conflict


Disinformation


UkraineAlert

Mar 26, 2024

Is the US Congress finally poised to pass Ukraine aid?

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert">Doug Klain</span>

After almost eight months of deadlock, the US Congress may finally be moving toward a political solution that can unlock desperately needed US aid for Ukraine, writes Doug Klain.


Conflict


Defense Industry


UkraineAlert

Mar 26, 2024

Ukraine paves way for green energy future amid Russia’s escalating attacks

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert" >Aura Sabadus</span>

Ukraine has lifted restrictions on the export of biomethane in a move that could make the country one of Europe's biggest green energy suppliers, writes Aura Sabadus.


Energy Markets & Governance


Energy Transitions


UkraineAlert

Mar 25, 2024

The mood in wartime Ukraine: Weariness, resolve, and exasperation

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert" >Steven Pifer, John Herbst</span>

Ukrainians are war-weary but remain resolved to continue the fight despite growing exasperation with the country's most important partner, the United States, write Steven Pifer and John Herbst.


Conflict


Drones


UkraineAlert

Mar 21, 2024

Russian victory in Ukraine would leave Europe at Putin’s mercy

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert" >Mykola Bielieskov</span>

A Russian victory in Ukraine would reinvigorate Putin's war machine and leave much of Europe at the mercy of the Kremlin, writes Mykola Bielieskov.


Conflict


Defense Industry


UkraineAlert

Mar 21, 2024

Putin fires navy chief as Ukrainians cheer success in Battle of Black Sea

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert">Peter Dickinson</span>

The chief of the Russian Navy has been dismissed by Vladimir Putin in the latest indication that Ukraine is winning the Battle of the Black Sea, writes Peter Dickinson.


Conflict


Defense Technologies


UkraineAlert

Mar 19, 2024

Vladimir Putin’s history obsession is a threat to world peace

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert" >Nicholas Chkhaidze</span>

Putin has weaponized history to justify the genocidal invasion of Ukraine. Unless he is defeated, the Russian dictator will use the same bogus historical arguments to launch new imperial adventures, writes Nicholas Chkhaidze.


Conflict


Disinformation


UkraineAlert

Mar 19, 2024

Ukraine’s partners should link wartime aid to continued reform progress

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert" >Mykhailo Zhernakov, Nestor Barchuk</span>

It is crucial for Ukraine’s international allies to link continued wartime financial assistance with the implementation of reforms, write Mykhailo Zhernakov and Nestor Barchuk.


Civil Society


Conflict


UkraineAlert

Mar 14, 2024

Peace is impossible until Ukraine is safe from future Russian aggression

By
<span class="gta-embed–tax–expert gta-post-embed–tax–expert" >Mykola Bielieskov</span>

With Russia openly committed to destroying the Ukrainian state and nation, a durable peace will only prove possible once Ukraine's national security is guaranteed, writes Mykola Bielieskov.


Conflict


Disinformation

spotlight

The views expressed in UkraineAlert are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Atlantic Council, its staff, or its supporters.

The Eurasia Center’s mission is to enhance transatlantic cooperation in promoting stability, democratic values, and prosperity in Eurasia, from Eastern Europe and Turkey in the West to the Caucasus, Russia, and Central Asia in the East.

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Content

UkraineAlert

Dec 8, 2015

Even in Theater, War and Displacement Has No Room in Ukraine

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Irena Chalupa</span>

As I was walking up Kyiv’s colorful Andriyivsky descent on December 6, three explosions pierced the quiet evening. No one stopped examining the myriad souvenirs on sale in the booths lining the street, no one showed any fear or ran for cover. On the third explosion, one exasperated man exclaimed “Who the hell is blowing […]

Russia Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Dec 8, 2015

Biden to Ukraine: “The United States stands firmly with the people of Ukraine”

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Melinda Haring</span>

“Today Russia is occupying sovereign Ukrainian territory. Let me be crystal clear: the United States does not, will not, [and] never will recognize Russia’s attempt to annex the Crimea,” US Vice President Joe Biden said in a December 8 address to Ukraine’s parliament. The parliament gave Biden a standing ovation. Geoffrey Pyatt, US Ambassador to […]

Russia Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Dec 8, 2015

The IMF Outfoxes Putin: Policy Change Means Ukraine Can Receive More Loans

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Anders Åslund</span>

Today the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reversed its “policy on not lending into arrears.” IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said in a statement that “the IMF’s executive board met today and agreed to change the current policy on non-toleration of arrears to official creditors.” Historically, the IMF has refused to lend to any country that has […]

Russia

UkraineAlert

Dec 8, 2015

Putin’s Goal is a New Yalta

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Aaron Korewa</span>

I recently met with Ilya Yashin, a Russian opposition leader, political activist, and former colleague of the assassinated politician Boris Nemtsov. When I asked Yashin what the West could do to help those brave enough to defy the Russian regime, his main point was that governments and organizations must support Ukraine. The reason is obvious: […]

Russia Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Dec 7, 2015

Take It to the Next Level: Create a Biden-Poroshenko Commission

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Anders Åslund and John Herbst</span>

Ukraine has made great strides in the last two years. The democratic and pro-Western Ukrainian leaders that gained power in February 2014 have returned democracy to Ukraine and have conducted three free and fair elections at all levels of power. The Ukrainian nation has come together and successfully defended itself against Russian aggression. After two […]

Russia Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Dec 2, 2015

Minimizing the Kremlin’s Influence on Europe

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Ariel Cohen</span>

Ukraine can play a key role in Europe’s effort to decrease dependence on Russia’s natural gas. Europe’s over-weaning dependence on Russian energy is the focus of my new Atlantic Council study: Developing a Western Energy Strategy for the Black Sea Region and Beyond. Gazprom’s—and Moscow’s—energy clout has become a recognized challenge for Ukraine’s and Europe’s […]

Russia Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Dec 2, 2015

Ukraine Takes Two Steps Forward on Corruption Fight

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Melinda Haring</span>

On November 30, Ukraine took two steps forward in its fight against corruption. Member of parliament Mykola Martynenko resigned his position, and Nazar Kholodnytsky was appointed the nation’s top anticorruption prosecutor. Martynenko was the deputy head of Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s People’s Front party and the head of parliament’s energy and fuel committee. According to […]

Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Dec 2, 2015

Russia Is a “Troll State,” Not a Rogue State

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Andrew Kornbluth</span>

In the eighteen months since Russia annexed Crimea, the world has been alternately captivated and bewildered by the wild swings and sudden shifts that describe Russian foreign policy under President Vladimir Putin. Particularly alarming for those who fear a direct clash between Russia and the West has been Putin’s tendency to swerve between antagonism and […]

Russia Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Dec 1, 2015

Mykolayiv Makes a Surprising Turn Toward the West

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Hannah Thoburn</span>

Built on a series of spits and peninsulas, the Ukrainian city of Mykolayiv feels surrounded by water. It is here that in 1789, Russian Prince Gregory Potemkin built the shipyards that would repair Russian Empire ships fighting the Ottoman Empire, shipyards that remained of such importance that the city was closed to foreigners for most […]

Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Nov 30, 2015

“The human rights situation in Crimea today is deplorable,” German MP Says

By <span class="gta-embed--tax--expert gta-post-embed--tax--expert" >Christoph Bergner</span>

Editor’s Note: This piece is adapted from a speech Dr. Christoph Bergner, a member of Germany’s Bundestag, gave at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation on October 21, 2015. I would like to thank the organizers of this event for making human rights issues in Crimea the main topic. Even if other news is currently making headlines, we […]

Russia Ukraine