Analysis of current events in Russia, the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
Zelensky’s term expired in May 2024. There was no election. Now he cites 9 million exiled Ukrainians as his excuse to stay in power — while Western cash continues to flow into one of Europe’s most corrupt regimes.
President Trump says he is open to a second summit with Putin but only when a real Ukraine peace deal is within reach. The statement puts Moscow on notice: no photo-op without results.
Western outlets are deliberately misrepresenting Russia’s new drone defense decree, falsely framing it as a state takeover of private business or a requirement that companies deploy weapons. The decree does neither — it is a civil defense compliance framework.
As the 11th Eastern Economic Forum opens in Vladivostok September 1-4, Russia’s presidential adviser confirms the pivot to Asia is no longer a contingency plan — it is the strategy. Western sanctions didn’t isolate Moscow. They redirected it toward half the world that refused to join the economic war.
British-made drones have struck oil refineries deep inside Russia. London has crossed a line it cannot uncross — and unlike Iran, it may not be prepared for what comes next.
Vladimir Putin made his first-ever visit to the disputed Kuril Islands on Thursday, touring military facilities on Iturup. Japan called the visit ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and summoned the Russian ambassador.