Should US–Russia negotiations collapse, Lukashenko’s role would evaporate overnight, his concessions wasted and his standing with Putin damaged, write @kirland.bsky.social and Vasil Navumau https://bit.ly/42jwgnI

The drones were downed, marking the first time a NATO member fired shots during the Ukraine war. It is clear that the alliance’s previous weak responses have only emboldened Russia, writes @mprochwicz.bsky.social @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social https://bit.ly/4gmY8NF

The NATO response to Russia’s latest violation of Poland airspace shows what collective defence can achieve and is the kind of resolute action the new threat environment demands, writes @mprochwicz.bsky.social @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social https://bit.ly/4gmY8NF

What can we make of von der Leyen’s first State of the Union address since securing a second term as president? Join our experts online on Thursday to find out! https://bit.ly/41FGP4i

What is the EU’s role in resolving conflicts in occupied territories within eastern candidate countries? Why the EU membership is a powerful incentive for reform and stability? Re-read @teftak.bsky.social and Sergi Kapanadze's policy brief @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social https://bit.ly/4le7c8m

#Russia will likely try to keep the #Iranian regime weak and out of Western reach, hoping to exploit any deal for its own gains, @kadriliik.bsky.social‬ and @kirland.bsky.social‬ argue in their last commentary. Read it here ⬇️

#EU leaders have to learn lessons from #Ukraine if they want to be truly ready to take responsibility for Europe's security. Read here more about the latest policy brief by Dmytro Kuleba.

@camillegrand.bsky.social‬ @jkobzova.bsky.social‬ and @nicupopescu.bsky.social‬ wrote about the need for Europeans and Ukrainians to draw up a “beyond the horizon” plan for Ukraine in preparation for a potential ceasefire or a peace deal. Read the full policy brief here⬇️ ecfr.eu/publication/...

@ecfr.eu‬ has a new podcast mini-series that brings Ukrainian perspectives to the forefront! In the first episode, hosts Leo Litra and Lesia Ogryzko welcome @wesslau.bsky.social‬ and Volodymyr Yermolenko to explore the roots and evolution of #Ukraine’s remarkable societal resilience.

🚨New policy alert by Lesia Ogryzko🚨 Ukraine's $600 drones caused $7 billion in damages during attacks on Russian military installations. Following the success of this 'bang for your buck' approach, Europe should increase its financial support for Kyiv @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social Read more 👇

In the past week Ukraine has launched three surprise attacks on Russian military assets inside the country and in occupied Crimea. Ukraine’s allies in Europe should seize the momentum to compel Putin to come to the negotiating table, writes Lesia Ogryzko ⬇️ ecfr.eu/article/maki...

The Arctic is no longer a remote frontier—it is emerging as a key arena in European security. Joana Hosa & Mikhail Komin explore how Russia’s growing ambitions in the region reflect shifting geopolitical dynamics. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social‬

In their latest policy brief, @jhosa.bsky.social & Mikhail Komin analyse Russia's ambitions in the Arctic ⬇️ ecfr.eu/publication/...

The Kremlin’s Arctic ambitions have grown further this year. What’s behind Moscow’s strategy beneath the ice? In this new policy brief, @jhosa.bsky.social & Mikhail Komin analyse Russia’s evolving strategy in the region. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social‬ bit.ly/4kxdnEw

Armenia and Azerbaijan have never been so close to peace—but bilateral issues and geopolitical complications mean a new escalation is still possible. The EU needs to use what levers it has to help the two countries ensure the former comes to pass. By @dumoulinme.bsky.social ⬇️ ecfr.eu/article/the-...

When Russian military leaders are thought to oppose government policy, the Russian public appear to give them a sympathetic hearing, write Kirill Shamiev, Margarita Zavadskaya & Risa Brooks. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social Read their new commentary, here:

Armenia and Azerbaijan have never been so close to peace—but bilateral issues and geopolitical complications mean a new escalation is still possible, writes @dumoulinme.bsky.social @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. But Europeans can halt Georgia's authoritarian turn 👇

Georgia stands at a crossroads. As democratic institutions falter and authoritarianism looms, Europe's response could determine the nation's future. @teftak.bsky.social s latest commentary urges a united European front. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

After my recent trip to #Tbilisi, it’s clear Europe must act fast. The window to support dialogue and halt Georgia’s authoritarian drift is closing. The Weimar Triangle + UK are best placed to lead. My latest for @ecfr.eu

Georgia stands at a crossroads. As democratic institutions falter and authoritarianism looms, Europe's response could determine the nation's future. @teftak.bsky.social latest commentary urges a united European front ⬇️ ecfr.eu/article/a-na...

There is no guarantee of a US backstop, but without robust security guarantees, a lasting peace in Ukraine seems unattainable. Europeans need to work quickly to evolve from being “willing” to “able” to act independently. Latest by Leo Litra ⬇️

Europe must evolve from "willing" to "able" in supporting Ukraine. Leo Litra advocates for a European reassurance force to deter Russian aggression and secure lasting peace.

European boots on the ground in Ukraine seem more likely than ever before—but discussions on the practicalities of such a “reassurance force” are only just starting argues Leo Litra. You can read more here⬇️

Europeans need to work quickly to evolve from being “willing” to “able” to act independently writes Leo Litra in his latest commentary analyzing the European reassurance mission for Ukraine. Read it here 👇

Europe can't afford to be a bystander in Ukraine's fate. In her latest piece, Marie Dumoulin argues that the EU must assert its agency in US-Russia talks to shape a future aligned with European interests.

Time is running out. Europe must step up from 'willing' to 'able'—or risk leaving Ukraine exposed. In his must-read, Leo Litra calls for a European reassurance force to deter Russian aggression.

A series of recent @ecfr.eu commentaries has looked at the issue of European military deployments to Ukraine. The diversity of perspectives we have taken and the different conclusions we have arrived at show why this is such an enriching environment to work in ... 🧵1/5

Deploying a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine might seem like a step toward stability. However, without a comprehensive peace agreement and clear mandates, such a move could entangle Europe in a protracted conflict, writes @kirland.bsky.social @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

There is no guarantee of a US backstop, but without robust security guarantees, a lasting peace in Ukraine seems unattainable. Europeans need to work quickly to evolve from being “willing” to “able” to act independently, writes Leo Litra ⬇️

European boots on the ground in Ukraine seem more likely than ever before—but discussions on the practicalities of such a “reassurance force” are only just starting. Leo Litra explores the “what”, “who” and “where” 👇 bit.ly/3EB0ERY

Russia's missile terror in Sumy wasn't just Ukraine's crisis—it's Europe's wake-up call. ECFR's latest: Why a 'wartime mindset' is essential for Europe's security.

Europe must move from words to action. Leo Litra breaks down, why a European reassurance force is vital to deter Russian aggression and secure Ukraine's future. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

Despite recent ceasefire talks, Putin’s programme of terror in Ukraine continued with a Palm Sunday attack on Sumy. Europeans need to maintain a “wartime mindset” and persuade the US that Russia’s hostility is not at an end, writes Lesia Ogryzko ⬇️

Despite recent ceasefire talks, Putin’s programme of terror in Ukraine continued with a Palm Sunday attack on Sumy. Europeans need to maintain a “wartime mindset” and persuade the US that Russia’s hostility is not at an end, writes Lesia Ogryzko. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

Europeans committing to future security guarantees for Ukraine, contributing financially to Ukraine’s reconstruction, and integrating Ukraine into the EU is tantamount to Europe weighing in on the outcome of the US-Russia talks. By @dumoulinme.bsky.social 👇

In her latest piece, @engjellushem.bsky.social discusses why the EU’s future security depends on successful enlargement ⬇️

It is time for EU institutions and member-state leaders to consolidate the European geopolitical space by urgently moving ahead with the next phase of EU enlargement. If successful, the bloc will be better able to defend itself—both inside and out. @engjellushem.bsky.social

In her latest commentary, @engjellushem.bsky.social notes why the EU’s future security depends on successful enlargement. Take a look 👇 ecfr.eu/article/stum...

EU enlargement isn't just policy—it's security. Integrating candidate countries like Ukraine and Moldova is vital to bolster Europe's resilience against external threats, writes @engjellushem.bsky.social @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

In her latest commentary, @dumoulinme.bsky.social explores how Europeans can impact US-Russia talks on Ukraine 👇

European policymakers have little direct influence over Moscow and Washington. However, they can use certain tools as leverage to help shape talks about #Ukraine’s future—while ensuring to act in the #EU’s best interest. Latest by @dumoulinme.bsky.social ⬇️

Europeans committing to future security guarantees for #Ukraine, contributing financially to Ukraine’s reconstruction, and integrating Ukraine into the #EU is tantamount to Europe weighing in on the outcome of the US-Russia talks, writes @dumoulinme.bsky.social ⬇️

European policymakers have little direct influence over Moscow and Washington. However, they can use certain tools as leverage to help shape talks about Ukraine’s future—while ensuring to act in the EU’s best interest, writes @dumoulinme.bsky.social @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

Russia is continuously attacking European undersea cable, exploiting the vulnerability of shallow seas. In this @ecfr.eu piece, Lesia Ogryzko and I explain the nature of the threat we face and how we can react, stepping up deterrence and sanctions. ecfr.eu/article/shal...

Moscow’s latest disruptive measures against Europe involve targeting cables traversing the Baltic Sea. The EU needs to bolster its deterrence posture and secure its infrastructure against such sabotage, write @alberto-rizzi.bsky.social & Lesia Ogryzko @ecfrgeoeconomics.bsky.social

Our new policy brief by @gresselgustav.bsky.social & Nicu Popescu outlines how to enhance defence cooperation by expanding the EU’s enlargement methodology or by creating tailored roadmaps. ecfr.eu/publication/...

🎧 New week, new Podcast! This week, Mark Leonard welcomes @asliaydintasbas.bsky.social to discuss the dramatic arrest of Istanbul’s popular mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.

With @dumoulinme.bsky.social 👇

Putin’s visit to Kursk revealed an effort to buy time and keep focused on his ultimate war goals, writes @kadriliik.bsky.social Read Liik's new policy alert, here: