Eastern-Central Europe
Russian bans “child-free” propaganda
Russia’s lower parliament passed a bill targeting speech that promotes refraining from having children or criticizes families with children. The bill is aimed at addressing the declining birthrate and positioning Russia in opposition to western nontraditional family values.
Russian Imperialism in the Information Age
This article examines how Russia has adapted its imperial ambitions to the digital era, using information warfare and soft power. Central to this strategy is Aleksandr Dugin's The Foundations of Geopolitics, which advocates for a Eurasian bloc led by Russia through ideological dominance rather than military force. The article highlights Russia’s recent election interference and disinformation campaigns in Europe, as well as strategic alliances with China, Iran, and India. Recent allegations of Russian interference in Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections underscore Dugin’s vision in action, where Russia manipulates political processes to build a multipolar world that challenges Western dominance.
Georgian Dream Party Faces Accusations of Election Rigging After Parliamentary Victory
The Dream party saw its fourth consecutive win in Georgia on Oct. 26, but with its drift towards authoritarianism and pro-Russian sentiment, many say the vote does not reflect the true preference of Georgians.
North Korean Troops Allegedly Seen in Russia, Set for Deployment in Ukraine
As footage emerges of North Korean soldiers suiting up in Russian gear, Ukraine warns that Pyongyang’s involvement could shift the balance of the conflict. With Moscow and Pyongyang forging a tighter military alliance, the international community faces fresh security concerns.
Georgia’s Anti-LGBTQ Bill Exposes Russia’s Influence Amid Parliamentary Elections
Georgia’s president, Salome Zourabichvili, drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili after refusing to sign a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law on Oct. 2.
Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine Shift: A Dangerous Escalation Amid the Ukraine Conflict
Russian President Vladmir Putin’s new nuclear doctrine shifted significantly from the country’s previous nuclear policy. The new amendments, announced in late September 2024, lowered the threshold for the usage of nuclear weapons.
New Wave of Mobilization and Conscripting Prisoners in Russia
On Oct. 2 Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows criminals to join the army in return for immunity. According to independent Russian outlet Istories, the government wants to conscript 40 percent of 60,000 prisoners with pre-trial detention status.
Moldova's 2024 Election: A Crossroads for European Integration
A significant development in the lead-up to the Moldovan presidential election occurred on Sept. 24, when the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) released its list of approved candidates. The agency notably did not register Igor Munteanu, one of the main political opponents of incumbent President Maia Sandu.
Protests Mark Latest Instance of Russian Women’s Growing Resistance to Mobilization
On Sept 21, 2024, around 20 Russian women gathered outside the capital holding up banners that demanded a meeting with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and the return of their mobilized loved ones. The demonstration took place on the second anniversary of the decree signed by President Vladimir Putin ordering the mobilization of reserve citizens to the war in Ukraine.
Kursk Incursion: Ukraine’s Bold Advance Faces Tough Realities
On Aug 6, 2024, Ukrainian armed forces launched an incursion into the Kursk region of Russia. More than 1,000 Ukrainian troops, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, caught Russia off guard, prompting Moscow to declare a state of emergency and rush reinforcements to the region.
Russian Drone Strikes Near NATO: Prelude to World War 3 or Isolated Incidents?
On Sept. 8, a Russian-operated Shahed-type drone crashed in Latvia's Rezekne region. The drone had entered Latvian airspace from Belarus and was tracked by air defense systems. While there was no immediate harm, Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds emphasised this incursion's seriousness, as any violation of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member's airspace could have broad security ramifications.
Russia Cracks Down Further on LGBTQ+ Community
The regime in Russia further cracked down on its queer community this month, with Russia’s top court ruling to ban the so-called “international LGBTQ movement,” labeling it an extremist organization. It is now illegal in Russia to “promote or praise LGBTQ relationships, publicly express non-heterosexual orientations or suggest that they are normal.”
Polish Trucker Blockade of Ukrainian Border Continues as EU Threatens Lawsuits
The European Union (EU) has threatened legal action against the Polish government for failing to resolve the blockade at the border between Poland and Ukraine — caused by a weeks-long trucker protest.
French Government Accuses the Kremlin of Causing Antisemitic Graffiti Incident
Around 250 blue Stars of David were tagged on buildings in France, in what the Parisian police chief called an “antisemitic” incident. Officials in France claim that a Russian-speaking person living abroad “may have paid for” the graffiti and Russian-controlled social media accounts promoted images of the graffiti.
Top Ukraine General Calls War a “Stalemate” — West Quietly Pushes Negotiations
In a recent interview with The Economist, top Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhny admitted that the war against Russia has reached a stalemate — comparing the situation in Eastern Ukraine to Northern France during World War I.
Antisemitic Mob Storms Russian Airport and Threatens Violence Against Arriving Jews
A mob in the Russian Republic of Dagestan stormed an airfield on Oct. 30, 2023, prompting the closure of an airport and the diversion of flights.
Hungarian Prime Minister Faces Backlash After Meeting with Putin
In a controversial move, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2023. Orbán, the leader of Hungary’s right-wing party FIDESZ, was even photographed shaking hands with Putin, drawing the ire of other Western leaders.
Explosions Over Kremlin Increase Tensions
The Russian government blamed Ukraine for an apparent drone attack above its capital building.
Russia Takes Presidency of United Nations Security Council
On April 1, the Russian Federation took hold of the presidency over the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
New Intelligence Revealed About the Nord Stream Pipeline Attack
US officials have received new intelligence that suggests that a pro-Ukraine group was responsible for the North Stream pipeline attacks.