A Diplomatic Victory, and Affirmation, for Putin
David M. Herszenhorn, The New York Times
John Kerry’s visit to Sochi to meet with President Vladimir Putin shows that the U.S. wants to continue engaging Russia on world issues. Recent interactions between the West and Russia have made Putin appear victorious in the eyes of Russians, even if he is not succeeding in fact: Russia is still in a precarious position given its struggling economy and low world oil prices. The U.S. is easing tensions slightly, apparently having decided that isolating Russia is not practical and cooperation is necessary in certain areas.
In Talks With Merkel, Putin Calls for Improving Relations with Europe
Neil MacFarquhar, The New York Times
President Vladimir Putin called for better European relations in a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Most European leaders boycotted the Victory Day celebrations in Russia, while Merkel visited Moscow the day after, partly to acknowledge the immense Soviet sacrifice in defeating Nazi Germany. Merkel said that Russian actions in Ukraine continue to be a major barrier to cooperation, and Putin advocated for improving trade relations between Russia and Europe and for easing EU sanctions against the Russian economy.
Boris Nemtsov Allies Release Report on Russian Troops in Ukraine
Alec Luhn, The Guardian
Boris Nemtsov’s report detailing Russian involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the number of Russian casualties has been released. The goal of the report is to spur conversation about the war and to question the Russian government’s claim that it has not sent troops to Ukraine.
Why Are Chinese and Russian Ships Prowling the Mediterranean?
Jim Holmes, Foreign Policy
Russia and China are set to begin joint naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea, an action which Europe finds to be highly provocative. But exercises of this kind were predictable given Russia and China’s desires to be global powers. This collaboration will help Russia and China build up their naval fleets and also serves to demonstrate their increased level of cooperation.
This week's roundup was compiled by Liza Layer and Caitlin Thompson.
