Russia Monitor Articles
Putin’s Trick in Donbass
There is no doubt that the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and the so-called “people’s republics” can be considered as a humanitarian success. However, politically speaking, it is perceived as Kiev’s defeat. The entire process was initiated by Moscow and carried out under its conditions.
New Year, Same War
The attack on the Russian air base in Syria in Khmeimim confirms the forecasts of the Warsaw Institute, according to which the accomplishment of Russia’s military campaign in Syria, announced by Vladimir Putin on December 11, does not necessarily mean the end of the conflict for Russia.
Purges in Luhansk
Once Igor Plotnitsky was removed from power after the November coup, many important people have been sacked in the purges. Those who had any connections with the overthrown leader are now being removed from their posts.
Black Clouds over Bastrykin
In the last days of December, officers of the Investigative Directorate of the FSB detained another important person in the case against Zakhar Kalashov aka Shakro Molodoy.
Cold War 2.0: A New Front
Conquering Raqqa and vanquishing the so-called Islamic State closed only a certain stage of the war. It is far from the full pacification of Syria and the reconstruction of the country, while jihadists still remain a threat.
Syrian Express on the NATO Flank
One of the goals of the Russian involvement in the war in Syria, apart from saving Assad’s regime and fighting against Daesh (which was the least important, though), was building a strong military presence in this part of the world. The Syrian operation is a key element of expanding Russia’s military potential on NATO’s southern flank.
Russian Bridgehead in the Balkans
Serbia is increasing its portfolio of arms purchases in Russia. The recent visit of President Aleksandar Vučic to Moscow confirmed that Belgrade had explicitly favoured military cooperation with Russia; although the country officially speaks of its “military neutrality”.
FSB Head’s Ominous Theories
On the occasion of the centenary of the founding of Lenin’s secret police, the Cheka, the director of Russia’s FSB security service, its most direct heir, Alexander Bortnikov gave an interview to the state-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Donbass: Controlled Escalation
Moscow’s decision to withdraw from a Ukrainian-Russian ceasefire control group, along with the intensified attack on Ukrainian positions conducted by the Russians supported by pro-Russian rebels, does not mean that any other large-scale fights will occur in the region.
New-Old President, New-Old Prime Minister?
Russia’s key election intrigue has already been resolved. Russia’s March 2018 presidential election will be won by Vladimir Putin in the first round who will be sworn in for another six-year term at the beginning of May.
Syrian War Is Not Over Yet
En route to Egypt, Vladimir Putin stopped in Syria where he declared victory against “terrorists” in Syria and announced a troop withdrawal.
Giennadij Ziuganow. Is This His Last Battle?
This will be the last presidential election in which Putin, Zyuganov and Zhirinovsky may run for office even if the communist leader has many more opponents in the party. At its congress, an attempt may be made suggest another candidate. However, Zyuganov is the favorite and it seems that such a scenario will be the most interesting for the Kremlin.
Sistema Still Fights Against Rosneft
There is no end to the legal battle between the oil giant Rosneft and Sistema, the Russian conglomerate controlled by oligarch Vladimir Yevtushenkov. The former is trying to obtain a compensation of over 100 billion rubles paid by the previous owner of Bashneft, an oil company acquired by Sechin in 2016.
Vladimir Putin, a Soviet-Style Leader
As predicted, Vladimir Putin finally announced that he would run for office next year. And it is obvious that he will win the election. However, there are two questions. First of all, why did he announce that he had intended to remain in the Kremlin now and in such circumstances? Secondly, what will be the leitmotif of the campaign?
Warsaw Institute
