Special no more: Kaliningrad on life support
If it is to ever to flourish, Russia’s westernmost outpost needs more freedom, not tighter control, from Moscow
Programme entry
The ‘new Oprichnina’ and the engineering of souls
The creation of Vladimir Putin’s new National Guard has echoes of the darker moments of Russia’s history
The Glazyev Tapes: Getting to the root of the conflict in Ukraine
The so-called “Surkov Leaks” have reinvigorated the discussion of Moscow’s involvement in the war in Ukraine and the emergence of “people’s republics” in the east of the country
View from Warsaw: Deterrence above all
What is distinct about Poland’s attitude to Russia is its genuine conviction in the potential for conventional military conflict with Moscow
View from London: Pragmatic continuity
Russian actions in Ukraine and Syria will frustrate any attempts at a shift in UK policy on Russia
View from Athens: Towing the line
The new reality of Greek acquiescence to EU policy hides deep ideological differences
View from Budapest: The status quo might just do
Hungary will certainly oppose additional sanctions, but it is unlikely to veto a prolongation
View from The Hague: An eternal balancing act
Prime Minister Rutte, needing as much EU support as he can, will be firm on the status quo and extremely careful with everything else
View from Stockholm: Not the time for frailty
Given Russia’s multiple moves to up the ante in recent weeks, Stockholm sees no reason for the EU to change direction
View from Madrid: The many-faced Janus
Spain is inclined towards conditional accommodation with Russia but tends to refrain from open overtures towards Moscow