Ukraine

Russia’s Alleged Arms Shipment in South Africa

Editor’s Note: This article was first published in Asia Times under the title “What really happened with #LadyRussiagate?”   Two weeks ago, the US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, publicly alleged that arms or related technologies were loaded...

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The G7 Meeting: New Roles for a Venerable Organization

The annual meeting of the world’s seven most economically prosperous democratic countries—plus the European Union—that comprise the G7 always generates a good deal of anticipation. That was especially the case this year, given Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Originally founded...

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Stress-Testing Chinese-Russian Relations

The statements could not have been more different. As Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his visit to Russia in March, the two governments released a joint statement that described their relations as having reached “their highest level in...

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The Breakdown of the US-South African Strategic Partnership

Editor’s Note: This article was first published in Asia Times under the title “US-South Africa ties explode on Russia arms claim.”   The Russian invasion of Ukraine has put tremendous strain on the strategic partnership between South Africa and...

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What Happens Next with the Wagner Group?

In a recent video released by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, he stares into the camera and berates several of the Russian military’s top leaders, including Russian army general and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed...

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High North, High Tension: The End of Arctic Illusions

For a long time, the Arctic was seen as a zone free of geopolitical tensions. Apart from joint military drills between NATO members and Russia that were discontinued after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, “High North, low tension” was the...

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Putin’s Holy Grail: Myth, Power, and the Retaking of Russian-Occupied Crimea

“Now, they will call you ‘Putin the Crimean.’” – Alexei Venediktov, editor-in-chief of the Echo of Moscow, to Vladimir Putin after the Russian annexation of Crimea   Following weeks of Kyiv’s warnings about an upcoming counteroffensive, Russian troops in...

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Beyond Ukraine’s Offensive | The West Needs to Prepare the Country’s Military for a Long War

Russia’s Military Industry Forecast 2023-2025

  After the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the arms expenditures and military budget of Russia skyrocketed and continue to grow for the foreseeable future. However, the military industry is under threat Despite the...

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The Wagner Group’s Expanding Global Footprint

Wagner Roadmap: Ten Recommendations to Fight the Group 1. The sanctions discussion needs to be expanded, as such designations should aim to shame Wagner’s state partners.  2. Sanctions lists should expand to include actors in third-party countries, such as...

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