February in Focus | Ukraine and Transatlantic Relations
This month we highlight pieces that delve deeper into transatlantic relations, US foreign policy shifts, and Russia’s domestic response to the war in Ukraine.
February marked a seismic shift in transatlantic relations. In the aftermath of the Munich Security conference, the Russo-Ukrainian war entered its fourth year, while the Trump administration pursued rapprochement with Russia, stunning European allies and Ukrainian leadership. Understanding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been a focal point of FPRI’s research agenda for over a decade, examining the conflict’s local, regional, and global impact.
We encourage you to follow our experts such as Maria Avdeeva, Rob Lee, Bob Hamilton, Aaron Stein, Maia Otarashvili, Olena Snigyr, and András Tóth-Czifra, whose analysis is featured below.
The Future of the United States in Europe: A Proposal
Aaron Stein - Behind the Front
The United States can defend Europe through a smaller presence. Europe can spend more. It is time to think about how to do this.
The Kremlin’s Balancing Act: The War’s Impact On Regional Power Dynamics
András Tóth-Czifra - Report
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian government accelerated the preexisting trend of centralizing control over regional power and economic assets. This shift created winners and losers, resulting in friction and resistance from threatened regional elites. As a result, the sustainability of the Kremlin's centralization strategy is fragile and uncertain.
Eurasia Program Fellow and Bear Market Brief contributor András Tóth-Czifra argues that understanding these dynamics in the context of the political and economic conflict between Russia and the West and the eventual transition following Putin's rule is increasingly important. An exposé on Russia’s internal power battle, this report is a must-read.
Just the Two of Us: US and Russia Hold Bilateral Talks
Sara Ashbaugh, András Tóth-Czifra, and Lisa Noskova - Bear Market Brief
American and Russian officials gathered in Saudi Arabia on last week for the first high-level meeting between the two countries since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This new approach marks a drastic shift in American foreign policy towards Russia, which previously emphasized Russian diplomatic isolation and support for Ukraine.
🎙️Understanding Russian Narratives on the West, Ukraine, Russia, and the World
Bob Hamilton and Olena Snigyr - Chain Reaction
What is it about the Russian model of how the world works that causes it to engage in these types of activities, and what narrative justification does it advance? Dr. Olena Snigyr, a Ukrainian scholar with a deep understanding of Russia's motivation and justification for its actions, joins host Bob Hamilton on Chain Reaction.
▶️ Three Years of Russia’s War in Ukraine: What’s Ahead in 2025?
Bob Hamilton, Stefan Meister, Pavel Luzin and Maia Otarashvili - Event Recording
▶️ Russian Influence Operations in the Black Sea Region: Georgia, Moldova, and Romania
Vasil Sikhuralidze, Alina Bârgăoanu, Ecaterina Locoman, and Bob Hamilton - Event Recording
Three Years of Russia's Full-Scale War: A Conversation with Rob Lee
Maria Avdeeva on President Zelenskyy’s Visit to Washington
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