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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

Estonian Minister of Defense Sven Mikser

NATOSource

Nov 10, 2014

Show Putin Strength, Not Weakness, Says Estonian Defense Minister

By David Mardiste, Reuters

Russia has returned to Cold War ways by stepping up incursions into European Union and NATO members’ airspace and territorial waters, and the West needs to present a united front to deter President Vladimir Putin,

NATO Northern Europe
RAF Typhoon intercepts Russian Tu-95 Bear bomber

NATOSource

Nov 10, 2014

NATO-Russia Incidents Came Close to Conflict, Says Think-Tank

By Sam Jones, Financial Times

Dozens of sensitive military incursions have occurred between Russia and Nato states over the past year, some coming close to triggering hostilities, according to a new report.

NATO Northern Europe

UkraineAlert

Nov 10, 2014

How Russia Sells Itself to the Long-Demoralized People of Donbas

By Irena Chalupa

In Stakhanov, a Cossack Rebel and Local Radio Mix Nostalgias for Russia’s Greatness and Soviet Goodness While analysts of Russia’s assault on Ukraine debate the veiled question of President Vladimir Putin’s motives, little is hidden about how the Kremlin and its proxy forces are selling themselves to the long-demoralized people of southeastern Ukraine. As Moscow […]

Eastern Europe Russia

In the News

Nov 7, 2014

Wilson on Putin’s Calculations in Ukraine

By Damon Wilson

Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Damon Wilson joins CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss the presence of Russian tanks in eastern Ukraine:

Russia Ukraine
French warship Mistral (L9013)

NATOSource

Nov 7, 2014

Congressional Leaders Renew Call for NATO to Purchase French Warships Intended for Russia

By Eliot Engel, Mike Rogers, Mike Turner, Bill Keating, Steve Cohen, Gerry Connolly, Steve Chabot, and Jim Gerlach

Text of congressional letter sent to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

France NATO
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, Oct. 20, 2014

NATOSource

Nov 7, 2014

Finland and Sweden Reject Common Approach to NATO Membership

By Gerard O'Dwyer, Defense News

Sweden and Finland, currently engaged in bilateral defense cooperation talks, have no plans to jointly attempt to join NATO.

NATO NATO Partnerships

UkraineAlert

Nov 7, 2014

For Putin, Ukraine’s Elections Backfired. So the War Is On Again.

By James Rupert

Analysts: Moscow Fights Now with Mercenaries and Local Trainees, But in 20 Weeks May Again Send Its Own Troops The Russian-Ukrainian conflict in southeastern Ukraine is sliding back quickly into all-out war. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said this morning that its forces have killed 200 separatist fighters and destroyed four tanks, plus artillery in the past […]

Eastern Europe Russia

In the News

Nov 6, 2014

Koranyi: “There is a Pro-Russian Shift in Hungarian Energy Policy”

By David Koranyi

Foreign Policy quotes Eurasian Energy Future Initiative Director David Koranyi on Hungary’s relationship with Russia with particular regards to its energy policy:

Hungary Russia
French Mistral, Tonnerre (L9014)

NATOSource

Nov 6, 2014

French-Built Mistral Ships For Russia Could End Up In Canadian Hands

By Christopher Harress, International Business Times

The Canadian military has emerged as a potential destination for the controversial French-built Mistral helicopter carrier ships, built for Russia and now at the center of an international row

France Russia

UkraineAlert

Nov 6, 2014

Ukraine’s Need for Fast Reform Means Government Has No Time for Infighting

By Sabine Freizer

Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk Must Cut Short Their Recent Signs of Rivalry As Ukraine’s new leading political parties renew their talks today, they can waste no time in forming the government that now must grapple with a financial emergency, economic crisis, and war in the east. They must avoid acrimony or drawn-out negotiations, yet some signs […]

Russia Ukraine

Experts

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