Global Scans · Russia · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: Russia is becoming an independent geopolitical actor. Russia will seek to maintain the world's strategic balance of power. A resurgent Russia is likely to continue to stir up trouble across much of Central and East Europe and the Middle East. It remains to be seen whether a rapprochement is possible with the U.S. And, Russia's economy is expected to return to modest growth in late 2016 and 2017, further strengthening its hand.

• [New] Any potential delay from Estonia could leave the already fragile Ukrainian front lines vulnerable to Russian attacks at a time when Moscow is bolstering its ammunition production capacity and rapidly diversifying its supply channels with significant support from China and North Korea. hudson
• [New] The Kremlin will try to emphasize that elite Ukrainian special forces are participating in hostilities in Africa at a time when Russia is waging a genocidal war in Ukraine. Ukrinform
• [New] The Kremlin plans to accuse Ukrainian special forces of using US-made weapons in Sudan and leak fabricated photos of trophy weapons supposedly taken from Ukrainian forces in Sudan to Russian and Libyan media. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] The US is leading a coalition of unfriendly countries aimed at weakening Russia because of the threat that Russia supposedly presents to the West and that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine the framework of a future world order. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Russia and its partners pose an increasing threat to NATO and stressed that US security assistance to Ukraine can address the Russian threat. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] The United States is leading a coalition of unfriendly countries aimed at weakening Russia because Moscow is a threat to Western global hegemony. The Washington Post
• [New] Ukrainian forces are digging in, building fortifications in anticipation of a major Russian offensive that Kiev officials say could come as early as next month. Yahoo News
• [New] Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops are mounting a sustained attack on Ukraine's energy system nationwide and making some advances across parts of the front line as Western officials fear Kiev's military may be nearing a breaking point. BizNews.com
• [New] The risks of a Russian attack against NATO in the near future would rise dramatically if the US allows Russia to defeat Ukraine now, and the challenge of defending the Baltic States in particular could become almost insurmountable. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Ukrainian officials continue to warn that US security assistance is vital to Ukrainian forces' ability to defend against current and future Russian offensive operations forecasted to begin in late spring and summer. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] With conflict in the Middle East and Russia's invasion of Ukraine combined with the threat of terror attacks, the French government has raised the security level to its highest level. Sky News
• [New] Delays in security assistance have forced Ukraine to cede the battlefield initiative to Russia and that the Ukrainian military cannot plan a successful counteroffensive nor defensive effort without knowing when and what kind of aid Ukraine will receive. Critical Threats
• [New] Germany will deliver a United States-made Patriot air defence system and air defence missiles to Ukraine at a critical time as Kiev struggles to defend its energy system from Russian bombardment. Al Jazeera
• [New] China has refused to criticise the Russian invasion and has accused the US and Nato of provoking Moscow, but says it will not provide Moscow with direct military support. The Guardian
• [New] The largest power plant delivering energy to Kiev was destroyed Thursday raising concerns that Ukraine might be running out of surface-to-air missiles to counter Russian airstrikes. Insider
• [New] One major risk is a collapse of Ukraine's line of defence, which would allow Russia to make a major advance. Insider
• [New] Away from the front line, Ukraine's dwindling air defence capabilities are showing vulnerabilities, as more Russian missiles and drones are able to hit targets such as critical infrastructure facilities. Washington Post
• [New] A Ukrainian defeat, on the heels of America's disastrous retreat from Afghanistan, will embolden Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela to further challenge American influence around the globe. hudson
• [New] Asylum claims from Russian citizens have surged, but few are winning protection - policymakers remain divided over whether to consider Russians in exile as potential assets or risks to national security. The Guardian
• [New] Russia's already threatening to terminate more UN sanctions mandates that help the Security Council monitor and take action to deter threats to international peace and security. UN News
• EUCOM and NATO are strengthening their ability to respond to the chronic threat that Russia poses to global stability and European security in hopes of deterring future Russian aggression against NATO. Institute for the Study of War

Last updated: 20 April 2024