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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.

The Russia Tomorrow series

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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

UkraineAlert

May 11, 2022

Kazakhstan cancels Victory Day in protest over Putin’s Ukraine War

By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, Kamila Auyezova

Kazakhstan's recent decision to cancel the country's annual WWII Victory Day parade was a small but significant indication of Nur-Sultan's opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Central Asia Conflict

BelarusAlert

May 11, 2022

Belarusian volunteers see Ukraine war as stepping stone to a free Belarus

By Alesia Rudnik

The hundreds of Belarusians who are currently fighting for Ukraine believe that defeating Vladimir Putin's invasion is their best chance of liberating Belarus itself and bringing the Lukashenka dictatorship to an end.

Belarus Civil Society

In the News

May 11, 2022

McFate joins The Globe and Mail to discuss Russian atrocities in Ukraine

Conflict Russia

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2022

Will Putin use nuclear weapons in Ukraine? Our experts answer three burning questions.

By Atlantic Council experts

Our nuclear experts weighed in on the chances of Putin taking the fateful step, how he might do it, and how the West would likely respond.

Conflict Crisis Management
Bonnie and Clyde’s cameo during Russian Victory Day celebrations. (Source: @JuliaDavisNews/archive)

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2022

Russian War Report: Russia accidentally honors Bonnie and Clyde during Victory Day celebration

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

During a Victory Day celebration, Kremlin TV featured a photo of infamous American criminals Bonnie and Clyde during a slideshow of alleged Soviet WWII veterans.

Civil Society Disinformation

BelarusAlert

May 10, 2022

Belarus has good reason for concern over Putin’s nuclear intimidation

By Steven Pifer

Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka has warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could go nuclear. If Vladmir Putin deploys nuclear weapons there is reason to believe that Belarus itself would soon be in the firing line.

Belarus Conflict

In the News

May 10, 2022

Preble quoted in New Republic: If these intel leaks don’t stop, we could be headed for a war with Russia

By Atlantic Council

On May 10, Christopher Preble was quoted in a New Republic article on the potential consequences of intelligence leaks about US assistance to Ukraine’s military, making the case that US goals in Ukraine may exceed those of Ukraine itself and risk escalation. “As Chris Preble, (deputy director of) the New American Engagement Initiative at the […]

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

May 9, 2022

Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss Russian foreign policy plans in the future and Russian interests in Middle Eastern resources

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

May 9, 2022

Vershbow in Fox News: Putin may soon face one of his worst strategic nightmares

By Alexander Vershbow

Alexander Vershbow discusses the strategic implications of Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

Conflict Eastern Europe

In the News

May 9, 2022

Konaev in Foreign Affairs on Ukraine’s military tactics

By Atlantic Council

Margarita Konaev argues that Ukraine's military must adopt guerilla-style tactics to defeat Russia in the Donbas.

Conflict Crisis Management

Experts