Russia

Belarus and Russian Oil: All Is Not as It Seems

Mateusz Kubiak

Belarus has developed its own oil supply diversification strategy. However, the country might ultimately use this to secure better terms of cooperation with Russian companies, rather than to reduce its overall dependency on Moscow.

Russia’s Revised Constitution Shows Putin is No Friend of Japan

James D J Brown

The constitutional referendum in Russia has closed the door to a potential territorial compromise with Japan.

Dissatisfaction Among the Russian Security Services

Emily Ferris

Discontent within Russia’s security services continues to simmer, just as Vladimir Putin is likely to need their loyalty most.

Open Skies Clouded by Sham and Ambiguity

Andrei Kelin

"Russia’s approach to the Baltic states is occasionally framed as an imminent territorial takeover. This view has become salient since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, when other nearby countries became concerned that they may be in Russia’s sights. In fact, Russia is unlikely to be interested in a territorial incursion in the Baltics, not least because this would trigger NATO’s Article 5, its collective defense principle, and because Russia would be unlikely to win in a conflict against NATO allies. "

Unplugging the Baltic States: Why Russia’s Economic Approach May Be Shifting

Russia's New Nuclear Strategy: Unanswered Questions

Maxim Starchak

Russia’s newly released nuclear strategy document has done little to clarify the country’s policies, and raises more questions than it answers.