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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

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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

Jan 30, 2020

Pressuring Putin is the only way to end Ukraine’s pain

By Paul Niland

Many observers believe the undeclared war between Russia and Ukraine has already become a de facto frozen conflict - but Paul Niland argues the only way to secure a lasting peace is to focus on increasing the cost of Russian aggression.

Conflict Russia

Article

Jan 30, 2020

Bioweapons, secret labs, and the CIA: pro-Kremlin actors blame the US for coronavirus outbreak

By Eto Buziashvili

Multiple narratives begin to emerge on fringe Russian outlets and social media, following a familiar playbook

Coronavirus Disinformation

Congressional Relations

Jan 28, 2020

Congressional Hearing – “Life Under Occupation: The State of Human Rights in Crimea”

By Atlantic Council

Melinda Haring, deputy director at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, testifies before an Helsinki Commission hearing on Kremlin's human rights violations on the Crimean Peninsula since its illegal annexation in 2014.

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Jan 27, 2020

Ukraine’s fate will shape global security – and Americans should care

By Peter Dickinson

During a January 24 post-interview exchange, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly asked a radio host, "Do you think Americans care about Ukraine?" This has sparked a lively debate about US-Ukrainian ties and the threat posed by Russian aggression.

Conflict National Security

UkraineAlert

Jan 27, 2020

Is Putin preparing a new Ukraine strategy?

By Anders Åslund

The departure of Vladimir Putin's gray cardinal Vladislav Surkov and his replacement as Ukraine policy curator by Dmitry Kozak has led to speculation that Russia could be planning a change in its Ukraine strategy.

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 23, 2020

Morningstar quoted in The Economist on Russia’s rising gas supply

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jan 21, 2020

Katz joins KVCR to discuss Russia in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Jan 20, 2020

A frozen conflict may be Ukraine’s best option

By James Brooke

Many hoped President Zelenskyy's April 2019 election could break the deadlock in peace talks with Russia. However, it now looks like the best Ukraine can expect is a transition from hot war to frozen conflict. That may not be such a bad outcome, argues James Brooke.

Conflict Russia

UkraineAlert

Jan 20, 2020

Is Belarus Putin’s next target?

By Diane Francis

Vladimir Putin has been turning up the pressure on Belarus in recent months as Moscow seeks to move forward with plans to merge the country into a so-called Union State with Russia, but Minsk is proving evasive. Will Belarus be the scene of Putin's next big foreign policy adventure?

Belarus Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 18, 2020

Åslund cited in The Atlantic on Ukraine’s oligarchs

By Anders Åslund

Corruption Russia

Experts