Eastern Europe

Vladimir Putin: 2022 Loser of the Year

By Peter Dickinson

Russian leader Vladimir Putin is the biggest loser of 2022. His disastrous decision to invade Ukraine has left Russia internationally isolated and shattered the country's reputation as a military superpower.

Europe and the Caspian: The gas supply conundrum

By John Roberts and Julian Bowden

The Caspian has emerged as a major player in Europe's effort to move away from Russian gas. But logistical and political difficulties could prevent crucial Caspian projects from getting off the ground.

Russian War Report: Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels promote news of TV Rain losing broadcasting license in Latvia

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Latvian National Electronic Media Council revoked the broadcasting license of TV Rain, an independent Russian television channel, citing threats to Latvian national security.

Russia must stop being an empire if it wishes to prosper as a nation

By Taras Kuzio

Post-Soviet Russia never shed the imperial identity inherited from the Soviet and Czarist past but Putin's disastrous invasion of Ukraine could now set the stage for the emergence of a post-imperial Russian identity.

Russia’s Ukraine invasion is fueling an energy crisis in neighboring Moldova

By Alexander St. Leger

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is helping to fuel an energy crisis in neighboring Moldova where an over-reliance on Kremlin energy imports has long served to make the country vulnerable to Russian political pressure.

Russian War Report: Russian Telegram channel spreads digitally modified photo of Poland’s prime minister

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russian Telegram channels disseminated a manipulated photo showing Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a monument during his visit to Ukraine.

State of the Order: Assessing October 2022

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Russian War Report: Heavy fighting expected in Kherson as Prigozhin aims to boost Wagner operations

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As Russian forces move ammunition and equipment toward Kherson, heavy fighting is expected in the city as Ukrainian forces fight to liberate the region.