“Defense sector corruption did not concern security assistance. It was about looting money from the Ukrainian defense budget — Ukrainian money.”
Conflict
The Stakes For Ukraine Are High In Monday’s Summit Between Putin And Zelenskiy
“The strategic goal of Russia is a weak, chaotic Ukraine. If you accept that as their goal, you can understand the logic of Russian behavior.”
After Trump Call, Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Gambles On Russia Peace Push Without U.S. Help
“We don’t think of Trump as an ally,” says Alyona Getmanchuk. “At best, he could be a referee; at worst, he could create more and more obstacles.”
Putin Backs Maduro, As Kremlin Critics Cheer U.S. Support For Venezuela’s Opposition
If Cuba was the Kremlin’s closest ally in Latin America during the Cold War, now it’s Venezuela, whose vast oil wealth gives Russia direct influence over an OPEC member.
Many Russians Today Take Pride In Afghan War That Foretold Soviet Demise
“The situation is changing dramatically in regards to the deployment of troops to Afghanistan,” said veteran Sergei Morozov. “Those who fought are being looked up to again.”
Why The Crisis Between Ukraine And Russia Has Taken To The Sea
Ukraine’s biggest problem in its struggle with its giant neighbor is keeping the world’s attention — especially that of the United States.
In Russia, A Dairy Owner Dreams Of Delivering Cheese To Vladimir Putin
“Russians are like a spring,” said Oleg Sirota. “The more you push them down, the stronger they bounce back up.”
What Trump’s Threat To End A U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Treaty Means For Putin
“For Russia’s military-industrial complex and security services, the INF Treaty was always like a bullfighter’s red cape; it symbolized the country’s defeat in the Cold War.”
Russia’s Multinational Military Exercise Last Week Was A Dry Run For Bigger War Games
“We see how geopolitical risks are increasing, and that’s why we’re uniting to repel any threat from any direction,” said Russian Lt. Gen. Alexander Lapin.
Now A Museum, This USSR Submarine Base Was Built To Endure U.S. Nukes — And Retaliate
After the annexation of Crimea, Yury Tarariyev’s museum came under the control of the Russian Defense Ministry, and a portrait of Putin went up at the entrance.
