Opinion

Ukraine Opinion & Analysis: War, Politics, Security & Global Affairs

Russia's proxy war in Ukraine Testimony from Debaltseve For EMPR readers learn more about the withdrawal of Ukraine's Armed Forces from the encircled railway hub of Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine

Russia’s proxy war in Ukraine: Testimony from Debaltseve

For EMPR readers who would like to learn more about the withdrawal of Ukraine’s Armed Forces from the encircled railway hub of Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine. Earlier, we published a report from one of the Vega squadron fighters, who are part…
Mar 4, 2015

Nemtsov’s last interview – hours before he was killed

Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in Moscow on 27 February. A few hours before his death he gave an interview to Echo Moskvy radio station. On the eve of the anti-crisis Vesna rally scheduled for 1 March…
Feb 28, 2015
Boris Nemtsov assassination near Kremlin analysis Russia political turning point Putin rise opposition crackdown EMPR media historical context

Russia’s Last Chance: Nemtsov, Putin, and a Turning Point

The killing of Boris Nemtsov near the Kremlin marked a historic rupture in Russia’s trajectory—reshaping politics, opposition, and the country’s future.
Feb 27, 2015
Vladimir Putin portrait symbolizing centralized power networks and alleged mafia-style governance in Russia’s political system

Vladimir Putin’s mafia summary

From 1990s St. Petersburg deals to today’s war machine, Putin’s network operates like a mafia state—where loyalty, power, and control override law.
Feb 25, 2015

“Information panic” and Ukraine’s brave armed forces

Will anyone be brought to account for spreading “information panic”? Of provoking a continuous chorus of laments: treason! treason! treason!..our troops are surrounded! our soldiers have been captured! Well-known contemporary Ukrainian poet, writer and essayist Oksana Zabuzhko expresses her view on current information enviroment towards…
Feb 24, 2015
ukrainian organized withdrawal from debaltsevo is questionable a report from Ukrainian soldier who was sent to Debaltsevo where he fought in battles and broke out of debaltsevo in the organized withdrawal

Ukrainian organized withdrawal from Debaltseve is questionable

For those EMPR readers who would like to learn more about Ukrainian armed forces withdrawal from the encircled town of Debaltseve in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. Yuriy Butusov published a report from one of the "Vega" squadron fighters (part of the…
Feb 24, 2015

Donbas Pampas: Russian journalist tells about Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine

Special correspondent of kommersant.ru Ilya Barabanov tells about how Russian servicemen fight in eastern Ukraine.
Feb 20, 2015

Nadiya Savchenko: unbreakable Ukrainian spirit in Moscow court

10 February, the Basmanny District Court, Moscow (Russia) extended the detention of Ukrainian Nadiya Savchenko till 13 May. Yesterday it was Nadiya’s 60th day of hunger strike, but unbreakable Ukrainian heroine showed her spirit was very strong.
Feb 11, 2015

One whole squad was captured and jailed. they’re 23-year-old guys

“When the airport terminal was blasted the roof collapsed and our guys were covered with the rubble from the wreckage. They yelled for help. They made it through the night. Those who had grenades blew themselves up,” thirty year old…
Feb 6, 2015
Conceptual image of information warfare showing digital propaganda, media influence, and psychological operations linked to Russia’s strategy

High-grade information war or the pose of an ostrich?

While missiles hit Ukraine, another war rages unseen. EMPR analysis warns the world may be ignoring Russia’s information strategy—with dangerous global consequences.
Feb 6, 2015
Empty streets and damaged buildings in occupied Donetsk reflecting decline, fear, and harsh living conditions under Russian control

A letter from occupied Donetsk: reality Putin does not want to see

What is life really like in occupied Donetsk? This letter reveals fear, silence, and survival—far from the reality Putin wants the world to see.
Feb 2, 2015
Ruined Minsk Protocol document overlayed on a Ukraine warfront map

The Minsk Protocol lies in ruins

The Trilateral Contact Group has started a meeting in Minsk to deal with the situation in Eastern Ukraine. Diplomats and officials from around the world are pinning theirs hope on positive results. However, as the saying goes, ‘An appeaser is…
Jan 31, 2015

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