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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.

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New Atlanticist

Jan 28, 2009

Russia Halts Missile Deployments in Europe

By Peter Cassata

Russia has “suspended” plans to deploy Iskander missiles in its European enclave of Kaliningrad.  Unveiled in November, the plans were intended to be a response to the U.S. missile defense installations scheduled to be built in the Czech Republic and Poland.  A Russian military official said the announcement is related to indications from the U.S. […]

Russia

New Atlanticist

Jan 28, 2009

NATO ‘Concerned’ About Russian Bases in Abkhazia

By James Joyner

Yesterday’s report of a Russian naval nase to be built in Abkhazia is being greeted with displeasure by NATO,  Reuters reports: Representatives of the 26 NATO states discussed the issue on Wednesday and alliance Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer will raise it with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov in February, spokesman James Appathurai said.

NATO Russia

New Atlanticist

Jan 27, 2009

Russian Naval Base to be Built in Abkhazia

By Peter Cassata

The ITAR-TASS news agency reported that a Russian naval base will be constructed this year in the Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia.  An Abkhaz official said that the base will not succeed Sevastopol (the Crimean port whose lease Kyiv does not intend to renew in 2017) as the new Black Sea Fleet headquarters.

Russia

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2009

Russia Offers Afghanistan Cooperation

By James Joyner

Like many other countries, Russia is seizing on a new administration in Washington in an effort to redefine its relationship with the United States. Denis Dyomkin for Reuters: Russia welcomes U.S. President Barack Obama’s decision to review policy in Afghanistan and is ready to cooperate, including on supply routes for NATO forces, Russian President Dmitry […]

Afghanistan Russia
STOCK - Russia

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2009

Russia Threatens Georgia Arms Suppliers

By James Joyner

Russia is ratcheting up the stakes in its conflict with Georgia.  AP: President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the Russian government to introduce economic sanctions against countries supplying weapons to Georgia.

Russia The Caucasus

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2009

Russia and Ukraine Reach Gas Deal

By James Joyner

It appears, once again, that Russia and Ukraine have come to an understanding that will resume the flow of gas to Europe. AFP‘s Alexander Osipovich: Russia and Ukraine announced a gas agreement on Sunday that they said would “shortly” allow a resumption of supplies to Europe, but questions remained on how and when the deal […]

Energy & Environment Russia

New Atlanticist

Jan 17, 2009

Russia-Ukraine-EU Gas Talks Highlight Multiple Divisions

By James Joyner

Officials are hopeful that talks today will finally end the 17-day-old cutoff of Russian gas to Europe.  Aside from the humanitarian and economic issues, the crisis highlights tensions between Europe and Russia, Russia and Ukraine, and within Ukraine itself.

Energy & Environment European Union

New Atlanticist

Jan 14, 2009

Solving Europe’s Gas Problem

By Borut Grgic

It is hard to be amused by what now is an annual Ukraine-Russia gas dispute.  What surprises, is the continued lack of readiness in Europe to protect commerce and households from this problem.  The lack of viable alternatives is particularly evident in new Europe.

Energy & Environment European Union

New Atlanticist

Jan 9, 2009

Gas Crisis Deal Reached

By Peter Cassata

A deal is reported to have been reached that will see the flow of Russian gas into Europe resume shortly.  Although the pricing dispute between Moscow and Kyiv seems as intractable as ever, Russia has agreed to turn on its gas if international monitors observe the pipelines at their entry and exit points through Ukraine.

Energy & Environment European Union

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2009

Pressure on Ukraine Heats Up as Europe Cools Down

By James Joyner

Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko is hoping that standing firm against Russia in the dispute over gas prices will bring him closer to Europe, Bloomberg’s James M. Gomez and Agnes Lovasz argue. He may be sadly mistaken.

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