issue spotlight

Stay updated

COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

The Power Vertical

The Power Vertical is a blog and podcast for Russia wonks and Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It covers emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today.

Host and Eurasia Center Senior Fellow Brian Whitmore invites guest experts to deliver their insights and analysis in this weekly podcast. The Atlantic Council and the Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington co-sponsor this production.

The Russia Tomorrow series

recent events

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.

Content

In the News

Mar 7, 2025

Kroenig interviewed on BBC Radio 5 on the United States’ role in ending the war in Ukraine

On March 5, Matthew Kroenig, vice president and senior director of the Scowcroft Center, was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 on President Trump’s tactics to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table and end the war in Ukraine. He argues that the United States is not aligning with Russia but instead acting as a […]

Intelligence Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Mar 6, 2025

Is Trump’s Russia reset overshadowing the Ukraine peace process?

By Katherine Spencer

US President Donald Trump campaigned last year on a promise to end the Russia-Ukraine War. His efforts to achieve this goal are now rapidly transforming the geopolitical landscape, writes Katherine Spencer.

Conflict Freedom and Prosperity

UkraineAlert

Mar 6, 2025

US peace initiative can help bring Ukraine’s abducted children home

By Kristina Hook, Iuliia Hoban

Securing the return of the thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia since 2022 must play a part in the peace efforts recently initiated by US President Donald Trump, write Kristina Hook and Iuliia Hoban.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Mar 6, 2025

The real reason Russia invaded Ukraine (hint: it’s not NATO expansion)

By Andrew A. Michta

Russia invaded Ukraine not because of NATO expansion, but because the West failed to back up Europe’s post-Cold War security architecture with hard power.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

UkraineAlert

Mar 5, 2025

Prospect of peace talks sparks fresh debate over Russia’s frozen assets

By Ivan Horodyskyy

US President Donald Trump's efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine are sparking fresh debate over the fate of $300 billion in frozen Russian assets, writes Ivan Horodyskyy.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

UkraineAlert

Mar 4, 2025

Europe has the resources to defend itself and back Ukraine against Russia

By Agnia Grigas

By leveraging its economic strength, demographic advantage, and military potential, Europe can confidently counter Putin’s imperial ambitions and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to resist Russia’s invasion, writes Agnia Grigas.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Mar 3, 2025

Ukrainians unite behind Zelenskyy after disastrous Oval Office meeting

By Peter Dickinson

Ukrainians have rallied behind President Zelenskyy after his White House visit escalated into a very public spat with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Media

Op-Ed

Feb 28, 2025

Ullman in the Hill on the prospect of lasting peace in Ukraine

On February 24, Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Harlan Ullman published an op-ed for the Hill that analyzes the potential costs and consequences of ending the war in Ukraine. He argues that current European capabilities and unity cannot guarantee Ukraine’s security without US engagement.

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 28, 2025

Soofer interviewed on NucleCast podcast about homeland missile defense

By Atlantic Council

On February 25 Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was interviewed by Dr. Adam Lowther, Strategic Advisor to the ANWA Deterrence Center, on the NucleCast podcast. In the episode, they discussed the evolving threats from countries like North Korea, Russia, and China, and the need for a robust missile defense strategy that reassures allies and deters adversaries.

China Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2025

To rejoin the G7, Russia should meet several important conditions   

By Robert D. Hormats

To rejoin the G7, Russia must meet strict conditions, including making significant concessions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

Experts