Greasing the gears: Readying Ukraine’s civil service for a European future
Away from Ukraine’s frontlines, its civil servants are leading the country towards EU membership – but huge reforms are needed if they are to be successful
Wider Europe
Win big, lose bigger: Why Russia’s sham election result could become Putin’s mistake
Vladimir Putin’s ‘historic’ election result demonstrates his absolute control over the administrative system, but could also encourage him to make big political mistakes
The women who could save Russia
The biggest threat to Vladimir Putin’s strongman rule may just come from women – especially when they base their activism on the very ‘traditional values’ he purports to venerate
When soft power is spent: Gaza, Ukraine, and Europeans’ standing in the Arab world
Europeans’ reputation as defenders of international law has cratered among their Arab partners. The first step is to recognise the problem
Unity at risk: The domestic strife testing Canada’s commitment to Ukraine
Canada’s support for Ukraine is becoming intertwined with domestic political competition, raising questions about the steadfastness of one of Kyiv’s main supporters
Conservatism by decree: Putin as a figurehead for the global far-right
Vladimir Putin is ramping up his radical-right credentials. This reinforces his grip on power in Russia, but it could also increase his influence worldwide
You break, you pay: Why the West should start confiscating frozen Russian assets now
Ukraine’s Western allies are discussing the possibility of confiscating frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction. But if confiscated during the war, these funds could provide desperately needed – and stable – financial support for Kyiv’s war effort
Ukraine, Russia, and the Minsk agreements: A post-mortem
Western policymakers should study the lessons of the Minsk agreements – and drop any illusions about the ways in which Russia supposedly acts
Death in Russia: Navalny, morality, and politics by other means
The death of Alexei Navalny marks the end of one era in Russia’s modern history – and the consolidation of the regime’s conservative turn
Pantomimes and puppets: What to expect from Belarus’s faux-lection
The upcoming Belarusian parliamentary election on 25 February will be, as usual, a one-man show. The EU should not be deceived by the special effects, but instead take note of the stage directions