Russia
Russians were told to expect a defining speech from Putin, but got only the same old messages and a sense that the Kremlin has lost direction.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has reshaped European security and exposed the ambitions of an authoritarian state willing to use force, energy, and subversion to advance its aims. Understanding the Kremlin means looking beyond the battlefield to the Russian economy under sanctions, the endurance of Vladimir Putin’s system, and Moscow’s deepening ties with China, Iran, and North Korea. This hub follows the pressures reshaping Russia: the effect of Western sanctions, the health of its wartime economy, elite politics, and the tools of hybrid warfare it deploys across Europe. Fellows and analysts assess how sanctions are biting, why the economy has settled for stagnation, and how Moscow projects power through proxies, disinformation, and nuclear signaling. Explore analysis and commentary on Russia’s economy, foreign policy, and the long contest between the Kremlin and the West.
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May 7, 2026
Georgia’s Never, Never Port
A planned port on the shores of the Black Sea, which was meant to be Georgia’s gateway to Europe, has become a potent symbol of governmental drift.
May 6, 2026
Bulgaria: Hope Despite the Noise
Bulgaria has finally elected a strong government. But don’t assume its Kremlin-friendly instincts will be the defining feature.
May 5, 2026
Sunset for the Russian Language
Russian was in retreat even before the full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine four years ago. Its imperial behavior has accelerated the process.
May 5, 2026
After the Ukraine War: How to Deter the Next One
Ukraine has impressed the world with the ingenuity, bravery and longevity of its defense against Russian aggression. Its next task is to build deterrence.
April 24, 2026
Russia Goes Mad MAX
The Kremlin wants to copy China by creating a superapp, MAX, to dominate Russian digital life. It can only succeed through coercion.
April 23, 2026
Transatlantic Action: Sanctioning Third-Country Enablers of Russia’s War Economy
If Russia is to be deterred, the United States and Europe must send a clearer signal to Russian entities and third-country enablers through sanctions.
April 22, 2026
Deterring Russia’s Shadow War Press Briefing
CEPA experts discuss what the West needs to do to combat Russian shadow warfare, focusing on coordination and public-private partnership.
April 21, 2026
Russia Scents Iran War Opportunity in South Caucasus
As Azerbaijan and Armenia discuss trade cooperation, Russia is muscling in. Baku should beware of Moscow’s charm offensive.
April 16, 2026
The Great Gates of Kyiv and a Vision of Peace
A 152-year-old piece of music, which unites European nations and climaxes at the gates of Kyiv, lets listeners imagine a better future.