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How the West Can Defeat the Putin Regime

Details: 05 January 2021; Andrei Piontkovsky

In recent months, the Western political establishment has reached an unprecedented consensus regarding the Putin regime. Another round of sanctions against its malign activities seems inevitable. However, to make sanctions truly effective, the West should target the corrupt Russian oligarchs who support this regime. Such measures will help clear the Western financial systems of criminal Russian assets and weaken the regime, all the while enjoying the overwhelming support of the Russian people.

Details: Analysis

Crime and Exposure

What the investigation into Navalny’s poisoning means for the Putin regime

Details: 23 December 2020; Olga Khvostunova

The past week in Russian politics unraveled like a three-part drama. On December 14, the investigation into the poisoning of Alexei Navalny was released, showing that the FSB was behind the attempt on his life. On December 17, Vladimir Putin admitted the surveillance of the oppositionist, but denied the involvement of the special services. On December 21, the recording of Navalny’s conversation with an FSB officer who had unwittingly revealed the details of the poisoning operation was made public, leaving no doubt about the veracity of the investigation. While Navalny’s exposés have dealt a severe blow to the Putin regime, the question of their impact on Russian society remains open..

Details: Analysis

Russia Expands its Foothold in Africa

Details: 11 December 2020; Ksenia Svetlova

On December 8, the Russian government officially announced its agreement with Sudan to build a modern port and establish a navy base for at least 25 years. The new port, along with Russia’s base in the Syrian city of Tartus, will strengthen its military presence in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

Details: Analysis

How Russia’s environmental issues increase risks for the Kremlin

Details: 02 December 2020; András Tóth-Czifra

Environmental issues have led to unusually resilient protest movements in several Russian regions over the past years. According to the latest data, air pollution in the country has increased by three times this year compared to 2019—a record high over the last 16 years. What do these developments indicate and what do they mean for Russian politics?

Details: Human Rights

November 2020: Hizb ut-Tahrir, Rosderzhava, FBK, Anna Korovushkina

Details: 02 December 2020; Diana Fishman

November saw continuous persecutions of members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a religious and political organization banned in Russia. According to Memorial Human Rights Center, a total of 309 people have been persecuted for their association with this organization. In Moscow Region, tensions have grown in the case against Alexander Dorogov, a blogger who was investigating police corruption for the publication Rosderzhava. A new criminal case was opened against Ivan Zhdanov, director of Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). The brutality of the Russian penal system led to the death of pianist Anna Korovushkina.

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