Articles on Russia

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Begos’ Friends by Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani, painted in the 1910s. At a keipi or festive supra, the tamada holds a kantsi (horn) and introduces a toast. Wikiuka/Wikimedia

I was in Georgia in the late 1980s: I observed how tradition survived harsh Sovietisation and rapid transformation

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union came rapid societal shifts. In Georgia, people called for the end of the Russification of their country and their culture.
In March, members of the UN Security Council voted in favour of a sanctions resolution for encouraging states to co-ordinate defensive naval actions against Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. On April 7 Russia and China blocked a vote on “use of force” backed by 11 members, drawing two abstentions. The vote came a day before Donald Trump’s announcement of a conditional ceasefire with Iran. Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP

Has multilateralism hit a dead end? Could International organisations be collateral damage of the war in Iran?

Once again, in a crisis, the UN and the EU seem to pale into insignificance. Multilateralism may not be dead, but it’s currently at an all-time low…
Amid global energy disruption, the EU’s pledge to procure US oil, LNG, and nuclear energy products worth $750 billion by 2028 is a strategic response to lessen reliance on Russian fossil fuels through diversifying its sources and increasing its energy security. by-studio / Shutterstock

Why Europe can still face a gas crisis without a gas shortage

A gas crisis could challenge Europe next winter if its gas reserves are not replenished. The phaseout of Russian gas and LNG by late 2027 is a major part of the EU’s gas diversification strategy but it exposes the continent to price volatility.
As Iranian missiles fly, Israel’s sophisticated Iron Dome air defence system is under strain. A potential collaboration with Volkswagen to manufacture key components of the Israeli rocket interceptor could expose both the carmaker and Germany to a breach in International law if it produces arms for Israel. Hamara / Shutterstock

How do Israel and Iran’s nuclear status differ under international law?

If Israel possesses a nuclear arsenal, while Iran is denied that possibility, what do the international norms on accepting, producing or acquiring nuclear weapons have to say about such double standards?
A man watches at an exchange office sign showing the currency exchange rates of the Russian ruble, U.S. dollar, and euro in Moscow, Russia, in November 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)

Can countries replace SWIFT? Evidence from Russia suggests not easily

Cut off from the world’s main financial messaging system, Russia turned to a domestic alternative. But research shows it fell far short of replacing the global financial network.
Simona Bubenickova of Czechia (left, with guide David Srutek) and Germany’s Leonie Maria Walter (right, with guide Christian Krasman) pose next to Russia’s Anastasiia Bagiian (centre, with guide Sergei Siniakin) during the medal ceremony for the women’s 10-kilometre vision-impaired cross-country skiing race at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Tesero, Italy, on March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

As Paralympians compete for medals, the world debates Russia’s right to be there

Russia’s return to the Paralympic Games exposes the tension between the movement’s commitment to inclusion and the geopolitical realities of war, doping scandals and ethical accountability.
European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, are at loggerheads over the Iran war. Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa

Iran and Ukraine are changing the EU and testing its unity

The two wars are forcing the EU to take a more assertive role in defence and security affairs, leading to arguments between senior officials.
A banner reading, ‘Regrettably, Putin did not die today. We are waiting …’ hangs in the City Garden of Odesa, Ukraine, on April 1, 2023. Viacheslav Onyshchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images News

Front lines of humor: Dark humor voices Ukrainians’ hopes for victory

Humor has served many functions since Russia’s full-scale invasion, from providing Ukrainians with a sense of escape and hope to spreading news.

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