Long-reads

Easing martial law, reforms by 2027: what the EU expects of Ukraine on its path to membership
Brussels has reminded Ukraine that it must meet certain conditions to advance toward EU membership, including some that are politically sensitive... There have also been some positive signals regarding Ukraine’s readiness to comply with EU requirements.  
"This is not peace, but surrender dressed up as diplomacy." Czech Foreigh Minister Lipavský on talks with Russia
"Success for Russia is failure for the West. Peace talks cannot devolve into mere territorial bargaining."
Populists' winning edge: how the pandemic still shapes global politics and ways to counter it
The far right has benefited massively from discontent over how the pandemic was managed and how the previous government's decisions about vaccines amounted to "an undemocratic restriction on citizens' freedom."
Protection from Orbán: how Trump "suspended" the future of Russian assets and what the EU plans to do
The risk of returning of Russia's frozen assets seemed increasingly likely. Brussels had to urgently seek a safeguard against this scenario.
Enduring anti-corruption: what requirements will be at the centre of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations?
The European Commission has applied a specific approach to anti-corruption in its dealings with Ukraine. The EU is requiring Ukraine to integrate anti-corruption initiatives into all negotiating chapters.
Poland's turn to lead: Tusk's challenge to Germany and the future of Ukraine in the EU
The history of Europe is being played out today in Central and Eastern Europe, as the war in Ukraine will largely determine the future of the continent and its integration...
Three lessons from the war with Russia: why Europe needs a defense production act
While it is too early to draw all the relevant lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine, some are readily apparent. Ignoring them will leave Europe vulnerable for years to come.
Kremlin’s hybrid strategy in Transnistria: Moldova’s crisis, Ukraine’s chance, and threat to EU integration
Putin guarantees one of Moldova's pro-Russian politicians the status of 'Savior of Transnistria'... It might result in halting Ukraine's progress towards EU accession...
Funds for reconstruction or war? What Ukraine must do to successfully confiscate Russian assets
The current Ukrainian government must address: what is the specific plan for utilizing Russian assets after their confiscation?
Sanctions strategy 2025: how the EU plans to intensify pressure on Russia
It's just time for the EU to stop trying to sit on two chairs and take some final sanctions steps.
Peacekeepers in Ukraine and a tough stance on NATO: Zelenskyy's Brussels talks in detail
Ukraine's NATO accession remains on the table at Kyiv's insistence, but the media has shifted its attention to discussions about a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine...
Finnish precedent: how Helsinki increases chances of getting compensation from Russia
The Finnish court's ruling will send a strong signal to companies engaged in arbitration disputes with Russia over compensation for damages caused by its aggression against Ukraine.
EU Advisory Mission: what has been done over 10 years in Ukraine
We have faced extraordinary challenges together in building the foundations for reform and adapting to the unprecedented wartime realities.
The real Zelenskyy, WhatsApp diplomacy and secrets of Ukrainian politics: memoirs of ex-EU ambassador
Details of interactions with President Zelenskyy and Andrii Yermak, Head of the President’s Office, insights into how reforms were pushed through, and the role of WhatsApp in Ukrainian politics...  
Protecting the defenders: why Ukraine needs a military ombudsman and how it should function
The idea of a military ombudsman is not new and has already been successfully implemented in several countries. But what model would work for Ukraine?
NATO guarantees for Ukraine: how and why Kyiv changed its stance in relations with the Alliance
Ukraine's strategic goal – NATO membership – remains unchanged, but its tactics have been radically revised. Kyiv opposes bilateral guarantees from nuclear states...
"The West is preparing Ukraine for negotiations rather than victory." An interview with Jerzy Pomianowski
Pomianowski: "A scenario where Trump hands Ukraine over to Putin, I don't consider a serious one..."
Fighters against "fascists" and Ukraine: How Russia’s influence network operates in Canada
One of the leading Canadian journalists was recruited in the USSR. And now he is engaged in discrediting Ukrainians.