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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.

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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

Fast Thinking

Mar 18, 2025

The real meaning of Putin’s 30-day ‘energy cease-fire’ in Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Our experts analyze the proposed limited cease-fire that would temporarily halt attacks on energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Mar 18, 2025

Putin backs Trump’s partial ceasefire but insists Ukraine must be disarmed

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin has backed Donald Trump's call for a partial ceasefire but his insistence on disarming Ukraine reveals his continued determination to complete the conquest of the country, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Shanker interviewed about the use of drones in Ukraine on the RealClearPolitics podcast

By Atlantic Council

On March 13, Scowcroft Center nonresident senior fellow Thom Shanker was interviewed by Andrew Walworth on the RealClearPolitics podcast to discuss how the use of drones following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has redefined modern warfare. According to Shanker, “Drones have really redefined the battle plan in Ukraine… Currently, 70% of all deaths and injuries in […]

Conflict Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Mar 18, 2025

Britain takes the lead as Europe seeks to boost support for Ukraine

By Alina Hrytsenko

With the future of US support for Ukraine in doubt, Britain is leading European efforts to bolster the Ukrainian war effort and deny Putin an historic victory that would place the whole of Europe in peril, writes Alina Hrytsenko.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Mezran quoted in Decode 39 on Putin’s push into Africa

By Atlantic Council

Africa Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 17, 2025

Enough carrots for Putin. For better negotiations, serve ‘maximum pressure’ instead.

By Benjamin L. Schmitt, Richard L. Morningstar, and Daniel Fried

Since Russia appears content for negotiations to move slowly, the Trump administration should turn up the pressure with new sanctions.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

In the News

Mar 17, 2025

Hadley, Fried, and Kramer in Foreign Affairs on the importance of US strength to end the war in Ukraine

On March 7, Atlantic Council Executive Vice Chair Stephen Hadley, Board Director Franklin D. Kramer, and Weiser Family Distinguished Fellow Daniel Fried were published in Foreign Affairs on the imperative of the United States to achieve “peace through strength” to end the war in Ukraine. They argue that Europe should take the lead in bolstering […]

Politics & Diplomacy Russia

Fast Thinking

Mar 14, 2025

What game is Putin playing in the cease-fire talks?

By Atlantic Council

Our experts parse the Kremlin’s official reaction to the United States’ proposal for a cease-fire in Ukraine.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Mar 13, 2025

Ukraine’s innovative defense tech sector is the country’s trump card

By David Kirichenko

From the Black Sea to deep inside Russia, Ukraine's innovative and rapidly expanding defense tech sector is proving to be the country's secret weapon as it fights for survival against one of the world's strongest military superpowers, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Mar 13, 2025

Vladimir Putin does not want peace. He wants to subjugate Ukraine.

By Mykola Bielieskov

Russian President Vladimir Putin's evasive response to US President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal underlines his commitment to continue with an invasion that aims to extinguish Ukraine as a state and nation, writes Mykola Bielieskov.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts