The benevolence shown to Belarusian exiles in 2020 has turned into hostility because of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. How is it fair to blame citizens for the actions of a regime they despise?
The Russian state, in tandem with the Russian Orthodox Church, is using LGBTQ+ rights as a red-button issue to win support for its criminal war campaign in Ukraine.
Giving Ukraine large amounts of money while not actually declaring war on Russia has various benefits for the US and other countries. Chiefly, it could protect US soldiers and civilians.
‘Kamikaze’ drones allow Russia to target Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, but they are unlikely to make a big difference to the outcome of the war.
The impact of oil sanctions on Russia is limited compared to the severe repercussions they have on the global economy and other countries’ abilities to achieve energy security and transition.
Iran has a growing role in the Ukraine war, helping Russia augment its dwindling weapons supplies. That may help Russia, but it also serves Iran’s national interests.
How does Putin extract himself from this mess? The only way to do so is to win the war in Ukraine, or at least to win sufficient concessions that would permit him to spin it as a victory.
Benjamin Jensen, American University School of International Service
In the face of Russian military setbacks at the hands of a dogged opposition army, Russian President Vladimir Putin is focusing on targets that will put psychological pressure on the Ukrainian nation.