Long-reads

Is Russia preparing for war with NATO? What’s behind large-scale military exercises in Belarus
Will Russia’s first major military exercises in Belarus in several years serve as a cover for renewed aggression?
Ukraine2EU: How the EU is helping Ukraine prepare for membership amid current realities
What is Ukraine doing to prepare for EU accession? And how come the European Union is helping Ukraine prepare for accession talks with the EU itself?
Silence is no longer an option: the West must rethink its Ukraine policy
There were two reasons that forced President Zelenskyy to change direction and agree to reverse a law that would have seriously jeopardised Ukraine’s future within Europe.
Where to find funds to support Ukraine? A problem most European countries now face
Europe's political leaders, having pledged to boost defense spending and support Ukraine in its war against Russia, must now confront the painful budgetary trade-offs required to fund these commitments.
How Zelenskyy undermined Ukraine's path to EU membership and what happens next
Hungarian President Viktor Orbán had worn the European Union down to the point that there was a growing willingness to ignore him, but Ukraine seemed determined to sabotage that plan.
Confiscation on hold: why the process of transferring Russian assets to Ukraine has slowed down
Kyiv must be prepared for a range of scenarios when the window of opportunity for confiscation opens.
Trump’s war plan: will the "Iran scenario" become the new US strategy?
The Trump administration is not the first to be tempted by the idea that short, sharp displays of military strength can convince other countries to capitulate to US demands.
From talks with Putin to weapons: How France rethought its Ukraine policy
France is now among Ukraine’s strongest European advocates, however, until recently, its policy was completely different.
Anticipating a bomb: how Trump turned the US into a tinderbox
Trump could choose to be a unifier rather than a divider. Unfortunately, it is far more likely that Trump will continue to fan the flames of division, keeping the risk of political violence elevated.
The price of Trump’s mistakes: how US leadership decisions opened the door for China’s global rise
China accuses the Western world of creating global turbulence and positions itself as a stabilizing force in an increasingly unsettled world.
Orbán lost to "gays and Ukrainians": How a Pride ban united Budapest against Hungary’s government
On June 28th, more than 100,000 people took to the streets – not so much in support of Pride values, but to show Orbán he is losing power… Orbán is the only one who lost in this story.
The cost of saving Europe: what the EU must do now to stop Putin
To allow Ukraine to stop Russia, needed are additional US$30-40 billion per year for Ukrainian arms production and acquisition on the market.
NATO summit in Ukraine’s favour: how Zelenskyy won Trump over and made Orbán back down
Ukraine’s success was secured even before the summit began. The NATO Secretary General got the green light to give Ukraine hope for membership.
"You are the true Hungary": an open letter to the Hungarian people
The political doctrines that try to justify that Ukraine should not be a member of the EU and NATO are not only anti-Ukrainian, they are anti-Hungarian and anti-European.
Three crimes against Crimea: why UK won’t turn a blind eye
The UK will stay focused on Crimea and other parts of Ukraine currently under Russian occupation.
NATO declaration on Ukraine and defence spending: full text with explanations
Russia was the only country to receive the status of a "long-term threat" (even China was overlooked). Particular emphasis was placed on Ukraine. Its defence has been recognised as a priority for the Alliance.
A million euros a minute: inside NATO’s Hague summit, where success and setbacks meet
More than half of the country's police force will be guarding Alliance leaders… The summit has confirmed that the United States has accepted Ukraine’s continued path toward NATO membership.
529 priorities instead of reforms: how the rule of law roadmap replaced real change
The document developed by the Cabinet is impressive in scope, as it outlines 124 strategic outcomes and 529 key actions. But will this number actually help achieve real results?