Solidarity with Ukraine Declaration We declare our full solidarity with Ukraine. We stand by the side of our Ukrainian partners and colleagues and, at the same time, by the side of our partners in Russian civil society who are beset by harsh repression. By Dr. Ellen Ueberschär and Barbara Unmüßig
Russia: Pechenegs, Polovetzians and the coronavirus Background President Vladimir Putin is facing the greatest challenge of his political career: the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Russia is expected to peak in the next few weeks. Johannes Voswinkel, Head of our Moscow office, reports on timid action, an unexpected crisis manager and the fears of breaking into the reserves. By Johannes Voswinkel
Hungary: a state captured by Russia Hungary’s liaison with the Kremlin has turned the economic “Eastern Opening” into the construction of a full-blown illiberal democracy. This goes hand in hand with Russia’s growing leverage over Hungary with respect to economic as well as soft power. By Péter Krekó and Lóránt Győri
A new attempt to resolve the Ukraine conflict The Minsk agreement has come to a standstill. From Ukraine can't accept bogus elections in Donbass and grant autonony to puppet republics while Russia simultaneously expand its power in the region. By Ralf Fücks and Marieluise Beck
With or Without Him? The German Debate on Putin’s Suspension from the G7 Under Germany’s presidency, the G7 convened for the second summit in a row in the absence of Vladimir Putin. As long as Putin does not change course in Ukraine, the G7 are well advised to stick to their suspension of Russia from their ranks. By Charlotte Beck
What’s next? Hungarian foreign policy after Putin’s visit Putin’s visit to Budapest in February 2015 was his first bilateral meeting in an EU and NATO member country since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine. By inviting him Budapest has broken Europe’s tacit agreement on a united Russia policy, and is arguing for a normalisation of relations with Russia. By András Deák
The Kremlin’s doctrine of survival: Forward to the past The Russian personalised power system is showing an amazing capacity to survive – even in an advanced state of decay. By Lilia Shevtsova
