Russia has transformed the education system in the occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk, and L... more Russia has transformed the education system in the occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, replacing educators and curriculum with pro-Russian, military-patriotic education aimed at militarizing Ukrainian children against their homeland. The Kremlin has started to erase the Ukrainian language, rewrite history books, impose Russian-style educational standards, and promote Russian ideology within Ukraine’s educational institutions. A system for the “re-education and integration” of kidnapped Ukrainian children is being actively carried out in the Russian Far East and Belarus, seeking to brainwash them against Ukraine.
Russia is investing significantly in militarizing children and youth, allocating substantial fund... more Russia is investing significantly in militarizing children and youth, allocating substantial funds for patriotic education programs, youth movements, and competitions. Military service is glorified across all levels of education in changes to the national curriculum emphasizing the defense of the homeland and preparing students for potential conflicts. Russia’s efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to indoctrinate upcoming generations with militarization, ensuring readiness for military service and willingness to sacrifice for the country.
China has become Russia’s primary economic partner in helping the Kremlin circumvent Western sanc... more China has become Russia’s primary economic partner in helping the Kremlin circumvent Western sanctions, with bilateral trade turnover reaching $225 billion in 2023. Beijing’s supply of dual-use components and critical electronic equipment enhances Moscow’s defense production capabilities. Chinese banks play a key role in supporting the Russian banking system through increased investments in yuan.
The extensive government initiatives aimed at militarizing Russian youth and ensuring that the fo... more The extensive government initiatives aimed at militarizing Russian youth and ensuring that the forthcoming generation of Russians becomes inherently militarized and consistently prepared for military service seek to minimize inclinations to critically analyze the reasons and consequences for armed conflicts. The efficacy of these practices increases with children of younger ages, underscoring their potential for generating enduring repercussions within Russian society for decades to come.
The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) on June 6, caused by the Russian ... more The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) on June 6, caused by the Russian occupation forces, proved to be a catastrophic event with wide-ranging environmental and economic consequences for Ukraine and the broader Black Sea region. Recent satellite images confirm the virtual nonexistence of the Kakhovka Reservoir, as only the Dnipro River, a handful of tributaries and a few small lakes in the vicinity remain discernible. The long-lasting repercussions of this attack extend beyond immediate damage, as the full extent of the consequences has yet to be determined. Even so, it is already evident that this large-scale man-made disaster will have a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy, with damages amounting to billions of dollars.
On June 6, 2023, a humanitarian and ecological disaster was triggered when the Kakhovka Hydroelec... more On June 6, 2023, a humanitarian and ecological disaster was triggered when the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) in Ukraine was destroyed—most likely the work of Russian forces in the area. The Kakhovka dam and reservoir play a crucial role in the management of Ukraine’s water resources. Additionally, it provides the essential cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), ensuring its smooth operation. Thus, the destruction of the dam has created myriad risks for the operation of the ZNPP, one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world. It is also clear that this technogenic catastrophe will have longer-term humanitarian, economic and environmental consequences.
The Kremlin’s hackers have been targeting Ukraine for years. However, the Russian re-invasion of ... more The Kremlin’s hackers have been targeting Ukraine for years. However, the Russian re-invasion of Ukraine this year included a dramatic intensification of both “soft” (e.g., propaganda, disinformation) and “hard” (e.g., cyberattacks against critical infrastructure) cyber/informational threats toward Ukraine. Even in the hours prior to the launch of President Vladimir Putin’s so-called “special military operation,” Russia conducted unprecedented cyberattacks against Ukrainian government websites, affiliated organizations, media and critical financial infrastructure
The critical, chronic and worsening water shortages gripping the Crimean Peninsula derive from a ... more The critical, chronic and worsening water shortages gripping the Crimean Peninsula derive from a combination of long-term and complex (both anthropogenic and natural) factors that can be traced back to at least the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite the changing technological capabilities and shifting political ideologies of the successive regimes that have wielded control over the area, local water-related problems have persisted. For now, there is little indication to suggest that Russia (which occupies Crimea since early 2014) has found a long-term and economically acceptable solution to this exacerbating crisis. While access to fresh water may not be quite as limited in Donbas—partially and temporarily occupied by Russia-backed forces—this region also faces some dire challenges. Specifically, the local ecological conditions, which directly affect the health of regional water resources, have been deteriorating over the past eight years. In many ways this has been the result of mismanagement and the ongoing fighting that persists dangerously close to heavy industrial plants and water system infrastructure. If this situation continues (even absent any intensification in current, mostly low-level military engagements), a massive ecological catastrophe may prove inevitable. While Russia could attempt to solve the water problem in Crimea by force, for now such a scenario does not appear realistic. Most likely, Moscow will preserve its current course, combining several approaches to dealing with the local water shortages. That status quo, however, will almost ensure that Crimea’s civilian population and, above all, the agriculture sector will continue to suffer.
On May 29, the third Chuulhn Congress convened in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia... more On May 29, the third Chuulhn Congress convened in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia, in southwestern Russia. The convocation of the Congress was sparked by numerous problems in Kalmykia, among them: the discrimination of the rights and interests of the local Oirat-Kalmyk people as well as the devastating social, economic and political situation in the republic.
The recent events in Ukraine have stirred up a very emotional debate regarding the ideological, h... more The recent events in Ukraine have stirred up a very emotional debate regarding the ideological, historical and ethno-cultural roots of Ukraine’s far right Nationalist movement. This research paper will put particular emphasis on the resurgence of nationalism in Ukraine during the Soviet era and its transition during the collapse of the Soviet state, as well as on the pre-conditions pertaining to that process. Furthermore, this paper will take a closer look at the main organizations that constituted the backbone of the nationalist movement in Ukraine during the 1991-2014 period.
Els recents esdeveniments a Ucraina han suscitat un debat molt emocional pel que fa a les arrels ... more Els recents esdeveniments a Ucraina han suscitat un debat molt emocional pel que fa a les arrels ideologiques, historiques i etno-culturals del moviment nacionalista d'extrema dreta d'Ucraina. Aquest treball de recerca posa especial emfasi en el ressorgiment del nacionalisme a Ucraina durant l'era sovietica i la seva transicio durant el col·lapse de l'URSS, aixi com sobre les condicions previes corresponents a aquest proces. A mes, aquest article examina mes de prop les principals organitzacions que constitueixen la columna vertebral del moviment nacionalista a Ucraina durant el periode 1991-2014
A pair of former Ukrainian people’s deputies—the former commander of the Donbas Battalion, Semen ... more A pair of former Ukrainian people’s deputies—the former commander of the Donbas Battalion, Semen Semenchenko, and a “freelance agent” of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Yevhen Shevchenko—are suspected of organizing these PMCs. Both face potential charges under Article 260 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, “Establishment of paramilitary or armed formations not envisaged by law.”
Since illegally annexing Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, Russia has been forcibly shifting the regio... more Since illegally annexing Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, Russia has been forcibly shifting the region’s demographic composition and trying to replace the native Crimean population with its own loyal citizens. Moreover, these transformative migration flows enable the occupying authorities to create a Trojan Horse against any future efforts by Kyiv to return the peninsula to its control. The saturation of Crimea with siloviki and military personnel is also done intentionally, helping further militarize the region and populate Crimea with trusted armed people. According to Article 49(6) of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and Article 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), “the transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies” is completely prohibited and considered a war crime.
Two major geopolitical shifts – the Syrian civil
war and the Ukrainian conflict – drew attention... more Two major geopolitical shifts – the Syrian civil war and the Ukrainian conflict – drew attention of the global academic and policy-related community to the issue of Russia’s private military companies (PMCs) and the so-called Wagner Group, which has become the living symbol of Russia’s covert use of ‘shady’ militarized groups in a powerplay against the west and its allies as well as securing Russia’s geo-economic/ strategic interests abroad. Although they are effective as a tool against weaker opponents, we argue that Russian PMCs should not be viewed as a strategic element in Russia’s military toolkit. Indeed, they are effective only when paired with Russia’s regular armed forces. We contend that PMCs are unlikely to be used against NATO members directly. Nevertheless, Russia will continue employing these forces in zones of instability as a means to engage the West in non-linear and asymmetric fashion.
On February 19, 2021, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) imposed sanctio... more On February 19, 2021, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) imposed sanctions on Ukrainian tycoon and politician Viktor Medvedchuk and his wife, Oksana Marchenko. Medvedchuk is a leader and people’s deputy of the pro-Russian party Opposition Platform–For Life, the largest opposition faction in the Ukrainian parliament. Moreover, he is a close acquaintance of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The NSDC sanctions list also includes five Russian nationals and Ukrainian national Nataliya Lavreniuk. The latter is Marchenko’s friend and the common-law spouse of Taras Kozak (already under sanctions), a people’s deputy from the same political party and Medvedchuk’s business partner. Apart from targeting those eight individuals, sanctions were imposed on nineteen associated businesses, including firms that own aircraft and operate direct flights from Kyiv to Moscow as well as a number of joint stock companies registered in Russia, Moldova and Portugal. These measures came two weeks after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the shutdown of several television channels—ZIK, NewsOne and 112—connected to Kozak. The move was described by Zelenskyy as a necessary step to fight Russian propaganda. But according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the NSDC, these actions were motivated by more complex issues. Specifically, the three aforementioned TV channels were being financed by limited liability company trading house Don Coal (Rostov, Russia), which receives revenue from smuggling coal out of the Luhansk and Donetsk “people’s republics” (LPR/DPR).
The struggle for Motor Sich is far from over. For Ukraine, the threat of paying $3.5 billion in f... more The struggle for Motor Sich is far from over. For Ukraine, the threat of paying $3.5 billion in fines to China is frightening. But the possible transfers of the aerospace manufacturer’s ownership and proprietary dual-use technologies to Beijing pose an even a larger threat. The strategic and technical potential of Motor Sich is vital to Ukraine’s national security. The company produces 28 different types of engines, which are installed on Mi- (Mil Mi-2, Mil Mi-8/17 and variants, Mil Mi-24, Mi-28) and Ka-series (Ka-27/32, Ka-52) military helicopters as well as Antonov An-26, An-72, An-74, An-124 Ruslan and An-225 (Mriya) planes. Although the Chinese market may look lucrative to Motor Sich, the negative side of such a deal should not be overlooked.
The problem of the militarization of children and young people in Crimea is hardly a novelty. Soo... more The problem of the militarization of children and young people in Crimea is hardly a novelty. Soon after the Russian annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, in 2014, the occupying authorities adopted Edict of the Head of the Republic of Crimea No. 522-U “On Approving the Concept of Patriotic and Spiritual-Moral Education of the Population in the Republic of Crimea” (December 18, 2014). One of the main tasks of the Concept is to improve military-patriotic education and form the foundations of patriotism and Russian identity among Crimean children. For almost seven years, numerous ministries, departments, public organizations and media controlled by Russia have been successfully implementing these tasks in Crimea, pursuing a purposeful and systematic policy of militarization of local youth. This established educational system promotes combat training among Crimean children in order to prepare them for military service in the Russian Armed Forces, cultivates a hatred toward Ukraine, as well as applies all methods of misinformation and ideological military propaganda.
Russia has transformed the education system in the occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk, and L... more Russia has transformed the education system in the occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, replacing educators and curriculum with pro-Russian, military-patriotic education aimed at militarizing Ukrainian children against their homeland. The Kremlin has started to erase the Ukrainian language, rewrite history books, impose Russian-style educational standards, and promote Russian ideology within Ukraine’s educational institutions. A system for the “re-education and integration” of kidnapped Ukrainian children is being actively carried out in the Russian Far East and Belarus, seeking to brainwash them against Ukraine.
Russia is investing significantly in militarizing children and youth, allocating substantial fund... more Russia is investing significantly in militarizing children and youth, allocating substantial funds for patriotic education programs, youth movements, and competitions. Military service is glorified across all levels of education in changes to the national curriculum emphasizing the defense of the homeland and preparing students for potential conflicts. Russia’s efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to indoctrinate upcoming generations with militarization, ensuring readiness for military service and willingness to sacrifice for the country.
China has become Russia’s primary economic partner in helping the Kremlin circumvent Western sanc... more China has become Russia’s primary economic partner in helping the Kremlin circumvent Western sanctions, with bilateral trade turnover reaching $225 billion in 2023. Beijing’s supply of dual-use components and critical electronic equipment enhances Moscow’s defense production capabilities. Chinese banks play a key role in supporting the Russian banking system through increased investments in yuan.
The extensive government initiatives aimed at militarizing Russian youth and ensuring that the fo... more The extensive government initiatives aimed at militarizing Russian youth and ensuring that the forthcoming generation of Russians becomes inherently militarized and consistently prepared for military service seek to minimize inclinations to critically analyze the reasons and consequences for armed conflicts. The efficacy of these practices increases with children of younger ages, underscoring their potential for generating enduring repercussions within Russian society for decades to come.
The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) on June 6, caused by the Russian ... more The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) on June 6, caused by the Russian occupation forces, proved to be a catastrophic event with wide-ranging environmental and economic consequences for Ukraine and the broader Black Sea region. Recent satellite images confirm the virtual nonexistence of the Kakhovka Reservoir, as only the Dnipro River, a handful of tributaries and a few small lakes in the vicinity remain discernible. The long-lasting repercussions of this attack extend beyond immediate damage, as the full extent of the consequences has yet to be determined. Even so, it is already evident that this large-scale man-made disaster will have a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy, with damages amounting to billions of dollars.
On June 6, 2023, a humanitarian and ecological disaster was triggered when the Kakhovka Hydroelec... more On June 6, 2023, a humanitarian and ecological disaster was triggered when the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) in Ukraine was destroyed—most likely the work of Russian forces in the area. The Kakhovka dam and reservoir play a crucial role in the management of Ukraine’s water resources. Additionally, it provides the essential cooling water for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), ensuring its smooth operation. Thus, the destruction of the dam has created myriad risks for the operation of the ZNPP, one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world. It is also clear that this technogenic catastrophe will have longer-term humanitarian, economic and environmental consequences.
The Kremlin’s hackers have been targeting Ukraine for years. However, the Russian re-invasion of ... more The Kremlin’s hackers have been targeting Ukraine for years. However, the Russian re-invasion of Ukraine this year included a dramatic intensification of both “soft” (e.g., propaganda, disinformation) and “hard” (e.g., cyberattacks against critical infrastructure) cyber/informational threats toward Ukraine. Even in the hours prior to the launch of President Vladimir Putin’s so-called “special military operation,” Russia conducted unprecedented cyberattacks against Ukrainian government websites, affiliated organizations, media and critical financial infrastructure
The critical, chronic and worsening water shortages gripping the Crimean Peninsula derive from a ... more The critical, chronic and worsening water shortages gripping the Crimean Peninsula derive from a combination of long-term and complex (both anthropogenic and natural) factors that can be traced back to at least the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite the changing technological capabilities and shifting political ideologies of the successive regimes that have wielded control over the area, local water-related problems have persisted. For now, there is little indication to suggest that Russia (which occupies Crimea since early 2014) has found a long-term and economically acceptable solution to this exacerbating crisis. While access to fresh water may not be quite as limited in Donbas—partially and temporarily occupied by Russia-backed forces—this region also faces some dire challenges. Specifically, the local ecological conditions, which directly affect the health of regional water resources, have been deteriorating over the past eight years. In many ways this has been the result of mismanagement and the ongoing fighting that persists dangerously close to heavy industrial plants and water system infrastructure. If this situation continues (even absent any intensification in current, mostly low-level military engagements), a massive ecological catastrophe may prove inevitable. While Russia could attempt to solve the water problem in Crimea by force, for now such a scenario does not appear realistic. Most likely, Moscow will preserve its current course, combining several approaches to dealing with the local water shortages. That status quo, however, will almost ensure that Crimea’s civilian population and, above all, the agriculture sector will continue to suffer.
On May 29, the third Chuulhn Congress convened in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia... more On May 29, the third Chuulhn Congress convened in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia, in southwestern Russia. The convocation of the Congress was sparked by numerous problems in Kalmykia, among them: the discrimination of the rights and interests of the local Oirat-Kalmyk people as well as the devastating social, economic and political situation in the republic.
The recent events in Ukraine have stirred up a very emotional debate regarding the ideological, h... more The recent events in Ukraine have stirred up a very emotional debate regarding the ideological, historical and ethno-cultural roots of Ukraine’s far right Nationalist movement. This research paper will put particular emphasis on the resurgence of nationalism in Ukraine during the Soviet era and its transition during the collapse of the Soviet state, as well as on the pre-conditions pertaining to that process. Furthermore, this paper will take a closer look at the main organizations that constituted the backbone of the nationalist movement in Ukraine during the 1991-2014 period.
Els recents esdeveniments a Ucraina han suscitat un debat molt emocional pel que fa a les arrels ... more Els recents esdeveniments a Ucraina han suscitat un debat molt emocional pel que fa a les arrels ideologiques, historiques i etno-culturals del moviment nacionalista d'extrema dreta d'Ucraina. Aquest treball de recerca posa especial emfasi en el ressorgiment del nacionalisme a Ucraina durant l'era sovietica i la seva transicio durant el col·lapse de l'URSS, aixi com sobre les condicions previes corresponents a aquest proces. A mes, aquest article examina mes de prop les principals organitzacions que constitueixen la columna vertebral del moviment nacionalista a Ucraina durant el periode 1991-2014
A pair of former Ukrainian people’s deputies—the former commander of the Donbas Battalion, Semen ... more A pair of former Ukrainian people’s deputies—the former commander of the Donbas Battalion, Semen Semenchenko, and a “freelance agent” of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Yevhen Shevchenko—are suspected of organizing these PMCs. Both face potential charges under Article 260 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, “Establishment of paramilitary or armed formations not envisaged by law.”
Since illegally annexing Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, Russia has been forcibly shifting the regio... more Since illegally annexing Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, Russia has been forcibly shifting the region’s demographic composition and trying to replace the native Crimean population with its own loyal citizens. Moreover, these transformative migration flows enable the occupying authorities to create a Trojan Horse against any future efforts by Kyiv to return the peninsula to its control. The saturation of Crimea with siloviki and military personnel is also done intentionally, helping further militarize the region and populate Crimea with trusted armed people. According to Article 49(6) of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and Article 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), “the transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies” is completely prohibited and considered a war crime.
Two major geopolitical shifts – the Syrian civil
war and the Ukrainian conflict – drew attention... more Two major geopolitical shifts – the Syrian civil war and the Ukrainian conflict – drew attention of the global academic and policy-related community to the issue of Russia’s private military companies (PMCs) and the so-called Wagner Group, which has become the living symbol of Russia’s covert use of ‘shady’ militarized groups in a powerplay against the west and its allies as well as securing Russia’s geo-economic/ strategic interests abroad. Although they are effective as a tool against weaker opponents, we argue that Russian PMCs should not be viewed as a strategic element in Russia’s military toolkit. Indeed, they are effective only when paired with Russia’s regular armed forces. We contend that PMCs are unlikely to be used against NATO members directly. Nevertheless, Russia will continue employing these forces in zones of instability as a means to engage the West in non-linear and asymmetric fashion.
On February 19, 2021, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) imposed sanctio... more On February 19, 2021, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) imposed sanctions on Ukrainian tycoon and politician Viktor Medvedchuk and his wife, Oksana Marchenko. Medvedchuk is a leader and people’s deputy of the pro-Russian party Opposition Platform–For Life, the largest opposition faction in the Ukrainian parliament. Moreover, he is a close acquaintance of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The NSDC sanctions list also includes five Russian nationals and Ukrainian national Nataliya Lavreniuk. The latter is Marchenko’s friend and the common-law spouse of Taras Kozak (already under sanctions), a people’s deputy from the same political party and Medvedchuk’s business partner. Apart from targeting those eight individuals, sanctions were imposed on nineteen associated businesses, including firms that own aircraft and operate direct flights from Kyiv to Moscow as well as a number of joint stock companies registered in Russia, Moldova and Portugal. These measures came two weeks after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the shutdown of several television channels—ZIK, NewsOne and 112—connected to Kozak. The move was described by Zelenskyy as a necessary step to fight Russian propaganda. But according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the NSDC, these actions were motivated by more complex issues. Specifically, the three aforementioned TV channels were being financed by limited liability company trading house Don Coal (Rostov, Russia), which receives revenue from smuggling coal out of the Luhansk and Donetsk “people’s republics” (LPR/DPR).
The struggle for Motor Sich is far from over. For Ukraine, the threat of paying $3.5 billion in f... more The struggle for Motor Sich is far from over. For Ukraine, the threat of paying $3.5 billion in fines to China is frightening. But the possible transfers of the aerospace manufacturer’s ownership and proprietary dual-use technologies to Beijing pose an even a larger threat. The strategic and technical potential of Motor Sich is vital to Ukraine’s national security. The company produces 28 different types of engines, which are installed on Mi- (Mil Mi-2, Mil Mi-8/17 and variants, Mil Mi-24, Mi-28) and Ka-series (Ka-27/32, Ka-52) military helicopters as well as Antonov An-26, An-72, An-74, An-124 Ruslan and An-225 (Mriya) planes. Although the Chinese market may look lucrative to Motor Sich, the negative side of such a deal should not be overlooked.
The problem of the militarization of children and young people in Crimea is hardly a novelty. Soo... more The problem of the militarization of children and young people in Crimea is hardly a novelty. Soon after the Russian annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, in 2014, the occupying authorities adopted Edict of the Head of the Republic of Crimea No. 522-U “On Approving the Concept of Patriotic and Spiritual-Moral Education of the Population in the Republic of Crimea” (December 18, 2014). One of the main tasks of the Concept is to improve military-patriotic education and form the foundations of patriotism and Russian identity among Crimean children. For almost seven years, numerous ministries, departments, public organizations and media controlled by Russia have been successfully implementing these tasks in Crimea, pursuing a purposeful and systematic policy of militarization of local youth. This established educational system promotes combat training among Crimean children in order to prepare them for military service in the Russian Armed Forces, cultivates a hatred toward Ukraine, as well as applies all methods of misinformation and ideological military propaganda.
The War in Ukraine’s Donbas: Origins, Contexts, and the Future., 2021
This paper aims to analyze the origins of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in
the Sea of Azov indic... more This paper aims to analyze the origins of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in the Sea of Azov indicating the main “hybrid” tools/instruments used by Russia against Ukraine. Special attention will be allocated to the following means: lawfare, “information confrontation,” (counter-) intelligence, and diplomacy. In this regard, the author’s key objective is to underscore continuity and tradition in Russia’s actions in the region, thereby dismissing a thesis about the “spontaneity” or offhand nature of Russia’s actions.
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Papers by Alla Hurska
The Kremlin has started to erase the Ukrainian language, rewrite history books, impose Russian-style educational standards, and promote Russian ideology within Ukraine’s educational institutions.
A system for the “re-education and integration” of kidnapped Ukrainian children is being actively carried out in the Russian Far East and Belarus, seeking to brainwash them against Ukraine.
Military service is glorified across all levels of education in changes to the national curriculum emphasizing the defense of the homeland and preparing students for potential conflicts.
Russia’s efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to indoctrinate upcoming generations with militarization, ensuring readiness for military service and willingness to sacrifice for the country.
Beijing’s supply of dual-use components and critical electronic equipment enhances Moscow’s defense production capabilities.
Chinese banks play a key role in supporting the Russian banking system through increased investments in yuan.
While access to fresh water may not be quite as limited in Donbas—partially and temporarily occupied by Russia-backed forces—this region also faces some dire challenges. Specifically, the local ecological conditions, which directly affect the health of regional water resources, have been deteriorating over the past eight years. In many ways this has been the result of mismanagement and the ongoing fighting that persists dangerously close to heavy industrial plants and water system infrastructure. If this situation continues (even absent any intensification in current, mostly low-level military engagements), a massive ecological catastrophe may prove inevitable.
While Russia could attempt to solve the water problem in Crimea by force, for now such a scenario does not appear realistic. Most likely, Moscow will preserve its current course, combining several approaches to dealing with the local water shortages. That status quo, however, will almost ensure that Crimea’s civilian population and, above all, the agriculture sector will continue to suffer.
war and the Ukrainian conflict – drew attention
of the global academic and policy-related community to the issue of Russia’s private military
companies (PMCs) and the so-called Wagner
Group, which has become the living symbol of Russia’s covert
use of ‘shady’ militarized groups in a powerplay against the
west and its allies as well as securing Russia’s geo-economic/
strategic interests abroad.
Although they are effective as a tool against weaker
opponents, we argue that Russian PMCs should not be viewed as
a strategic element in Russia’s military toolkit. Indeed, they are
effective only when paired with Russia’s regular armed forces.
We contend that PMCs are unlikely to be used against NATO
members directly. Nevertheless, Russia will continue employing
these forces in zones of instability as a means to engage the West
in non-linear and asymmetric fashion.
The Kremlin has started to erase the Ukrainian language, rewrite history books, impose Russian-style educational standards, and promote Russian ideology within Ukraine’s educational institutions.
A system for the “re-education and integration” of kidnapped Ukrainian children is being actively carried out in the Russian Far East and Belarus, seeking to brainwash them against Ukraine.
Military service is glorified across all levels of education in changes to the national curriculum emphasizing the defense of the homeland and preparing students for potential conflicts.
Russia’s efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to indoctrinate upcoming generations with militarization, ensuring readiness for military service and willingness to sacrifice for the country.
Beijing’s supply of dual-use components and critical electronic equipment enhances Moscow’s defense production capabilities.
Chinese banks play a key role in supporting the Russian banking system through increased investments in yuan.
While access to fresh water may not be quite as limited in Donbas—partially and temporarily occupied by Russia-backed forces—this region also faces some dire challenges. Specifically, the local ecological conditions, which directly affect the health of regional water resources, have been deteriorating over the past eight years. In many ways this has been the result of mismanagement and the ongoing fighting that persists dangerously close to heavy industrial plants and water system infrastructure. If this situation continues (even absent any intensification in current, mostly low-level military engagements), a massive ecological catastrophe may prove inevitable.
While Russia could attempt to solve the water problem in Crimea by force, for now such a scenario does not appear realistic. Most likely, Moscow will preserve its current course, combining several approaches to dealing with the local water shortages. That status quo, however, will almost ensure that Crimea’s civilian population and, above all, the agriculture sector will continue to suffer.
war and the Ukrainian conflict – drew attention
of the global academic and policy-related community to the issue of Russia’s private military
companies (PMCs) and the so-called Wagner
Group, which has become the living symbol of Russia’s covert
use of ‘shady’ militarized groups in a powerplay against the
west and its allies as well as securing Russia’s geo-economic/
strategic interests abroad.
Although they are effective as a tool against weaker
opponents, we argue that Russian PMCs should not be viewed as
a strategic element in Russia’s military toolkit. Indeed, they are
effective only when paired with Russia’s regular armed forces.
We contend that PMCs are unlikely to be used against NATO
members directly. Nevertheless, Russia will continue employing
these forces in zones of instability as a means to engage the West
in non-linear and asymmetric fashion.
the Sea of Azov indicating the main “hybrid” tools/instruments used by Russia against Ukraine. Special attention will be allocated to the following means: lawfare, “information confrontation,” (counter-) intelligence, and diplomacy. In this regard, the author’s key objective is to underscore continuity and tradition in Russia’s actions in the region, thereby dismissing a thesis about the “spontaneity” or offhand nature of Russia’s actions.