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Toomas Hendrik Ilves: “As soon as Russia becomes a democratic country, its best relationship will be with Estonia”

Details: World

Toomas Hendrik Ilves: “As soon as Russia becomes a democratic country, its best relationship will be with Estonia”

Details: 23 October 2014; Elena Servettaz

The recent dispute between Russia and Estonia over potential Estonian espionage has heightened tensions in the two countries’ relationship. It has also fueled public fears that Russia will annex Narva, a predominantly Russian-speaking border city of Estonia. However, Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves believes that Vladimir Putin will not be able to replicate “the Crimean scenario” in his country. He explained his reasons in an exclusive interview with IMR’s Elena Servettaz.

Are the Kremlin Hardliners Winning?

Details: World

Are the Kremlin Hardliners Winning?

Details: 01 October 2014; Donald N. Jensen

The Ukraine crisis has caused a shift in the balance of power within the Russian political elite. The so-called siloviki, or hardliners, are strongly in ascendance, but not completely triumphant. Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, reflects on Russia’s current political landscape.

Will the New EU Team Challenge the Kremlin?

Details: World

Will the New EU Team Challenge the Kremlin?

Details: 19 September 2014; Elena Servettaz

On September 12, the United States and European Union imposed expanded economic sanctions on Russia, targeting its largest bank, Sberbank, and Rostec, a major defense conglomerate. Paris-based journalist Elena Servettaz discusses the possibility of EU’s toughening stance on the matter.

NATO Fumbles Ukraine

Details: World

NATO Fumbles Ukraine

Details: 16 September 2014; Donald N. Jensen

On September 12, the U.S. and the EU expanded their sanctions against Russia following the escalation of the Ukraine crisis; however, as Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, points out, NATO members have been holding back in their aid to Ukraine.

Minsk Summit: Breakthrough in Ukraine Crisis Unlikely

Details: World

Minsk Summit: Breakthrough in Ukraine Crisis Unlikely

Details: 09 September 2014; Donald N. Jensen

In late August the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, Petro Poroshenko and Vladimir Putin, met in Minsk. Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Studies, overviews the issues that were left on the table as peace was whispered about in the capital of Belarus.

Crimea Proves Difficult to Digest

Details: World

Crimea Proves Difficult to Digest

Details: 14 August 2014; Donald N. Jensen

Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula in February sparked a conflict between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists that has drawn in the international community. However, while international focus has shifted away from Crimea and toward the ongoing fighting along Ukraine’s border, Russia still faces challenges in integrating Crimea. Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow of the Center for Transatlantic Relations, discusses how Russia has confronted these challenges and the possible consequences of its responses.

Putin Shows Off in Latin America

Details: World

Putin Shows Off in Latin America

Details: 06 August 2014; Donald N. Jensen

Dating back to the Cold War, Russian leaders have at times claimed illness or gone abroad even as they’ve carried out aggressive moves elsewhere. This tradition is alive and well today. As Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow of the Center for Transatlantic Relations, notes, when Russia invaded Georgia in 2008, Putin was in Beijing; and this July, as the Ukraine conflict was escalating, he happened to take a tour to Latin America.

Russia’s Mistral Deal: Where the Wind Blows

Details: World

Russia’s Mistral Deal: Where the Wind Blows

Details: 18 July 2014; Elena Servettaz

Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, the West has been increasingly concerned about the delivery of two French Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia. With the third round of sanctions on the way, Paris’s continued insistence on delivering the carriers has brought a note of discord to the West’s general strategy of countering Russian aggression in Ukraine. Paris-based journalist Elena Servettaz discusses the controversial deal.

Russia Approves New U.S. Envoy

Details: World

Russia Approves New U.S. Envoy

Details: 11 July 2014; Donald N. Jensen

On July 9, the Kremlin formally approved the appointment of John Tefft as the next U.S. ambassador to Russia. In an atmosphere of crisis between Russia and the West not seen since the end of the Cold War, Tefft faces a hard task. However, as Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, argues, no ambitious new campaign to improve the U.S.-Russia relationship is on the horizon. On the contrary, the United States is likely to seek to minimize cooperation with Russia.

Details: World

Putin Forever?

Details: 03 July 2014; Donald N. Jensen

As public support of Vladimir Putin’s policies skyrockets, political analysts observe increasing discontent among Russian elites. Rumors of elite efforts to oust Putin are being discussed behind the political scene. However, as Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Studies, argues, despite systemic tensions, Putin has a number of advantages that will likely see him through these difficulties.

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