Articles
Poland’s plan challenging Russian gas dominance
Poland will no longer need Russian gas supplies delivered by the Yamal pipeline from October 2022, due to the start of North Sea gas supplies through the new Baltic Pipe. The Yamal natural gas contract, signed in September 1996 between the Polish gas company PGNiG and the Russian energy giant Gazprom, expires on December 31th, 2022 and will not be renewed, since gas will be imported from Norway from the 1st of October, becoming more independent of the whims of the Kremlin.
Is Chinese Real Estate Market Situation a Symptom of PRC’s Economy Problems?
Official data on the growth of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) GDP, released in January this year, indicated that the Chinese economy grew by 8.1% in 2021, which met the government’s growth target of “over 6%.” Despite this growth rate, some symptoms of PRC’s domestic economic problems are appearing.
Could Russia Attempt A Sea Blockade Of Ukraine?
Southern Ukraine is particularly vulnerable to a Russian attack. First, a massive military force is stationed in Russian-occupied Crimea. Secondly, Russia enjoys an overwhelming advantage at sea. Possibly the Kremlin will block the Kerch Strait and sea routes running to Ukrainian sea ports west of Crimea, notably Odesa. A non-military blockade could eventually bring the Ukrainian economy to its knees.
United Arab Emirates. Escalating Conflict with the Houthi Rebels
The conflict in Yemen has been a disaster for millions of its citizens who have fled their homes, many of whom are on the brink of starvation. The United Arab Emirates joined the coalition against the Houthis in 2019. Yemeni non-governmental forces backed by the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates have dealt the rebels some very painful blows recently. Three districts in the Shabwa governorate were recaptured. The clashes were only part of a surge in violence taking place in a devastated country where the war is fought on several fronts
Illegal firearms flow on the U.S-Mexican border
The Law regulations on purchase of firearms in the U.S. differs depends on state. The smallest number of requirements needed to meet in order to get a gun are present in U.S-Mexico borderline states like Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. On the other side of the border, Mexican Constitution strongly restricts possibilities to obtain any kind of firearms for anyone, but the authorities.
Russian Invasion Could Begin In Donbas
Recent days brought more reports that Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine may begin in Donbas. Russia has started a military buildup in what is known as people’s republics and is now laying the political groundwork for an armed intervention in southeastern Ukraine.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Makes A New Offer
Russia does not want a new round of talks on Ukraine and NATO. Nonetheless, after some harsh statements from Russian officials and Moscow’s belligerent actions, including its military dispatch to Belarus, Russia is now mitigating its recent demands. This is evidenced by the statement from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, who said what would satisfy Moscow in its negotiations on NATO and Ukraine.
China’s Demographic Slowdown
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been ranked among the world’s most populous countries since its establishment. At the beginning of 2022, the country still tops that list, but the latest data of the National Bureau of Statistics of China shows a worrying population trend.
Li Keqiang’s First Conversation with the New German Chancellor
On January 17, 2022, Premier of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Li Keqiang held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The talk concerned further cooperation in various domains. The Chinese side recalled good mutual relations and encouraged further pragmatic collaboration.
Hungary elections 2022- Warsaw Institute discussion panel
On January 17, a panel discussion was held, the theme of which was the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary. The discussion was attended by: Sándor Gallai, MCC School Head of Social Sciences and History, András Hajdú, political scientist and PhD student at Corvinus University in Budapest.
Moldova Again On The Brink Of New Gas Shortage
Moldova’s gas distribution company, Moldovagaz, says it has paid Russian state-owned gas giant Gazprom for natural gas supplied in December 2021. By January 20, 2022, the company has to make a down payment for this month’s gas bill. But the price of Russian gas has risen since the beginning of this year, making Moldova unable to pay its commodity bill and forcing the country to ask Gazprom for an extension. If no agreement is reached, Russia may again cut off its gas supplies to Moldova.
Is Revival Of Normandy Format Possible?
Talks in the Normandy format, which brings together Ukrainian, Russian, German, and French officials to help end the conflict in Donbas, have stalled. It is painful for Moscow whose top officials expected that Berlin and Paris would force Kyiv into putting the Minsk agreements into practice. As the Kremlin is seeking to turn to Washington to solve the problem, Ukraine is looking for some balance, highlighting the importance of the Normandy format. What poses a bigger threat to Kyiv is a pile of potential concessions from the Joe Biden administration.
Czech and Slovak Intelligence Report on China
Czech and Slovak intelligence and counterintelligence agencies mention the threat from China in their reports more and more often. The growing importance of the PRC and its attempts to influence these countries are closely monitored. The degree of danger is frequently compared to Russian actions
Russia Cripples NATO’s Undersea Communications
One of two undersea fiberoptic cables which provide vital internet connection and communications links between mainland Norway and the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean was put out of action on January 7. The new chief of the UK defense staff told Russia any attempt by submarines at damage would be treated as act of war. In recent months, Russian vessels have been active close to cables linking the United States and Europe.
