Veronika Poniscjakova, University of Portsmouth Russia is reported to have deployed nuclear weapons in Belarus, a step that was much telegraphed earlier this year and recently confirmed by Poland. This move has caused concern in neighbouring countries and has affected security arrangements in Europe. Russia reportedly has the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal, with
Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Russia-Africa Summit in 2019 in Sochi, Russia. Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images Joseph Siegle, University of Maryland Forty-three African heads of state attended the 2019 Russia-Africa summit. They had high hopes that Russia would emerge as a new source of investment and trade for the continent. Russian president Vladimir
Natalya Chernyshova, Queen Mary University of London For Vladimir Putin, the abortive Wagner Group coup has been a humiliating affair that exposed his lack of control over military units ostensibly fighting for Russia. It was an episode that the Russian president is unlikely to forgive in a hurry. But for the Belarusian dictator,
Tracey German, King’s College London Even in such a fast-moving war, still some events have the ability to surprise. The decision by Wagner Group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, to launch an apparent coup attempt, leading his troops into Russia, where he occupied the military HQ in Rostov and was heading towards Moscow, appeared to
Tracey German, King’s College London One of the most notable features of Russia’s war in Ukraine has been Moscow’s increasing reliance on what are known as private military companies. Forces such as the Wagner Group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin have borne the brunt of much of the fiercest fighting, especially during the bloody
Anna Matveeva, King’s College London After a year of war in Ukraine it has become commonplace among western commentators to argue that the war is deeply rooted in the “Russian mentality”, history and culture. Russians, it is said have an imperial mindset. Russian citizens share a collective responsibility, regardless of their personal positions.
China’s peace envoy is actively involved in talks regarding the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. This reflects China’s emerging role as a mediator on the global stage. The envoy’s participation aims to address escalating tensions and find a peaceful resolution. China’s involvement is driven by its economic interests in the region, as
China and Russia signed an agreement to increase their power and influence in the Arctic by developing infrastructure and exploring the region’s natural resources. Other Arctic nations may see this move as a threat to their own interests. It’s crucial to protect the fragile Arctic ecosystem. Reading: William More News of the Week
Paul Jackson, University of Birmingham A three-day ceasefire to mark the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Fitr in Khartoum appears to be dead in the water as fighting continues in the Sudanese capital. According to the World Health Organization, more than 330 people have been killed over the past week. Now, with reports emerging that
Stefan Wolff, University of Birmingham As the French and Chinese presidents, Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping, were discussing the need for more constructive international engagement to end the war in Ukraine, it emerged this week that Ukraine, too, was open to reconsidering its options. A top adviser to Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, noted