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What Is New in Russia’s Recent Protests

Details: 03 February 2021; Yana Gorokhovskaia

In the past two weeks, Russians came out to the streets again in large numbers to support opposition leader Alexei Navalny and protest against the Putin regime. While some facets of the recent rallies and the regime’s reaction to them have remained the same over the years, new characteristics have also emerged, including ramped-up crackdown and angrier protesters.

Details: Analysis

Nagorno-Karabakh War and Russia’s Pursuit of Gas Interests

Details: 02 February 2021; Dmitry Shlapentokh

The recent Azeri-Armenian war over Nagorno-Karabakh was one of the fiercest conflicts in post-Soviet history, leaving over 5,000 dead on both sides and tens of thousands displaced. After six weeks of heavy military action, a ceasefire deal was signed with Moscow’s mediation, but Russia’s initial reluctance to interfere raises questions about its true interests in the region.

Details: Analysis

The Kremlin Plays a Weak Hand in the Middle East

Details: 27 January 2021; Vera Michlin-Shapir

As the Biden administration begins its first term, Russia remains one of the main challenges on the foreign policy front. While no reset is expected, some level of cooperation with the Kremlin is inevitable, including in the Middle East, where Russia has been consistently expanding its footprint. Still, recent developments on the ground indicate that the Kremlin’s diplomatic efforts in the region are less successful than it would like them to seem.

Details: Analysis

How Navalny Transformed Russian Politics

Details: 22 January 2021; Yana Gorokhovskaia

The latest developments around Alexei Navalny’s return to Russia have triggered a dangerous power play between the oppositionist and the Putin regime. Regardless of the numbers of people who come to rally in Navalny’s support on January 23, his impact on Russian politics will transcend this moment.

Details: Human Rights

December 2020: Alexander Shestun, “spy mania,” Yulia Galyamina,

Details: 05 January 2021; Diana Fishman

The last month of 2020 showcased some of the worst repressive trends in Russia. Former district official in the Moscow region Alexander Shestun, who gained publicity for releasing records of the region’s governor threatening him, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Similarly long prison terms were given to residents of Kaliningrad, Antonina Zimina and Konstantin Antonets, for alleged treason, and to former Inter-RAO top manager Karina Tsurkan for alleged espionage. The politically motivated prosecution of Moscow municipal deputy Yulia Galyamina, however, resulted in a suspended sentence.

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