Articles
Ukraine Blocks the Transit of Trains from China
In early December this year, Ukraine has blocked the transit of trains from the Commonwealth of Independent States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). These actions are an attempt to exert pressure on Poland to issue more entry permits for trucks.
Occupied Donbas: A Stronghold Of Russian Military
The so-called people’s republics in Donbas are in fact under Russian occupation. Moscow appoints the “authorities” in Donetsk and Luhansk as it provides financial assistance to both rebel-held areas. However, what links the occupied Donbas and Moscow is security, as confirmed by recent reports from Ukrainian intelligence services.
European Gas Prices Jump To Record As Russia Cuts Off Flows
After talking to Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Joe Biden said gas flows through Nord Stream 2 would be cut off if Russia invaded Ukraine. Nonetheless, Germany is not likely to bend to U.S. pressure. Having unfrozen the project, Biden has no longer any tool of pressure on the authorities in Berlin. Nord Stream 2 will not be a Western argument against Russia, as stated by the new Austrian chancellor.
Crisis on the Polish-Belarusian Border. Can China Help to Get Out of It? – Podcast
The Polish-Belarusian border crisis is definitely one of the most significant events of 2021, both in the European and international arena. Not only Lithuania (which is struggling with the same situation), but also important European players, such as Germany and France, the United States, as well as international organizations, for instance, NATO or the European Union, are already showing interest in the problem. According to political and media circles, China could play a significant part in solving this situation.
Xi-Putin December Talks
A video call between Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Communist Party Chairman Xi Jinping took place on December 15. Statements about good strategic cooperation were reiterated and coordination in the international arena was said to be maintained.
Nord Stream 2 Under Special Protection
After talking to Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Joe Biden said gas flows through Nord Stream 2 would be cut off if Russia invaded Ukraine. Nonetheless, Germany is not likely to bend to U.S. pressure. Having unfrozen the project, Biden has no longer any tool of pressure on the authorities in Berlin. Nord Stream 2 will not be a Western argument against Russia, as stated by the new Austrian chancellor.
High Oil Prices Make Russian Production More Profitable
Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin said oil extraction costs in Russia were unacceptable at the current price of hydrocarbon. For the production cycle, they range from $15 to $45 per barrel, he said.
A Preview of the Digital Future
The last two years of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic have led to immense changes in the way we use technology. While the coronavirus wreaked havoc in the real world, breaking supply chains and limiting the availability of services, it accelerated changes in the digital world that would otherwise have taken years. In 2020 and 2021 we have observed the rapid and massive integration of services that admittedly existed before, but we did not use on such a large scale.
Russia Lays Out Unrealistic Demands For U.S. And NATO
The Russian foreign ministry has presented the United States with a set of proposals for binding Western security guarantees during a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried in Moscow on December 15.
Beijing, Moscow Form A New Anti-American Axis
The Russia-China summit confirmed their lasting alliance targeting the United States. The video meeting was vital for Vladimir Putin who has in recent months stiffened his anti-Western stance to force the United States into concessions on Ukraine and NATO’s policy in Central and Eastern Europe.
Nord Stream 2: Inverted Meaning, Russian Triumph
For many years now, no one ever doubted that Nord Stream 2 had served Russia while targeting Ukraine. The only difference was whether the gas link was a purely economic project, according to Germany, or political, notably for Ukraine, Poland, and some other European countries, and the Trump administration.
Slovakia is the Next European Country to Strengthen Ties with Taiwan
Among European countries, the Republic of Lithuania is no longer the only country that is altering its foreign policy priorities in a way that displeases the authorities of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Correspondingly, the Slovak Republic is strengthening its relations with the government of the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan, which is not recognized by Beijing.
Ukraine In The Middle Of Great Power Politics
After recent talks, President Joe Biden reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Western support for Ukraine, yet adding this would not involve any military assistance. Many signs are that the United States, France, and Germany will force Ukraine into some Donbas concessions amid growing pressure from Moscow. At stake might be Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
Not Only Ukraine and Georgia: What Does Russia Want From NATO?
Moscow is stiffening its stance on the North Atlantic Alliance. Indeed, the Russian military buildup along the border with Ukraine sought to make Western nations discuss NATO’s activity near Russia. The Kremlin has warned the West not to cross a “red line” with Russia, saying such a move would trigger a “military” offensive. It is yet unclear where this “red line” is actually going.
