We are pleased to present to you and yours our latest edition of our newsletter, in which we highlight a range of analyses and reflections on the current situation in Russia. Through our latest publications, press appearances and events, and publications from our partners, we aim to provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of what is happening in Russia and with Russian exile, and the implications this has for Europe and Russia's neighbourhood.

All publications in this series are in English. A one-page summary in German for each of these publications can be found in the attachment.

#5: New Russian migrants against the war: Political action in Russia and abroad

Full Version

In this analysis, we examine the impact of the war on Ukraine, which has led to a noticeable exodus of Russians from the country. The work seeks to understand the demographic composition of these emigrants, their professional backgrounds, the countries they chose to move to and the political activities they pursue abroad. The study draws on original survey data and includes contributions from researchers such as Veronica Kostenko, Emil Kamalov, Ivetta Sergeeva and Margarita Zavadskaya.

#4: Divides behind the facade of unity

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Greg Yudin looks at the deep contradictions and inequalities within Russian society. He highlights the potential for internal conflict and explores the role that young politicians, regional elites and ethnic minorities could play in shaping the country's future.

#3:  The crisis at the door: Social Decline in Russia after 24 February 2022

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Dr. Ilya Matveev provides an in-depth analysis of the renewed social crisis in Russia and examines the impact of military spending, partial mobilisation, sanctions and negative demographic trends on the country's economic and social stability.

#2: Limitations of Anti-War Messaging oriented at Russians

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This paper offers a critical examination of the challenges facing anti-war propaganda in Russia, discusses the limits of its success and proposes new strategies to reach a wider audience.

#1: Why does the Kremlin’s Propaganda remain effective in wartime?

Full Version

An examination of the mechanisms behind Putin's propaganda, highlighting the complexity and contradictory nature of the audience and the need for nuanced understanding to counteract its impact.

CSTO and Russia: Why has CSTO not become "Russian NATO"?

Full Version (in german)

An analysis by Dmitri Stratievski on the inefficiencies within the CSTO and Russia's inability to transform it into a powerful regional alliance.

Russians in the South Caucasus: political attitudes and the war in Ukraine

Full Version

A comprehensive study of Russian migrants in Georgia and Armenia after February 2022, examining their demographic characteristics, political attitudes and the impact on the two host countries and Russia.

1. ZDF documentary on the Russian power system

Watch here (in german)  

An in-depth look at the influential figures of the Russian political landscape with experts such as Michael Thumann, Masha Borsunova, Ekaterina Schulmann, Roman Anin and Alexey Yusupov, Head of the FES Russia Programme.

2. Putin's test balloon

Read the full analysis (in german)

Alexey Yusupov's analysis in IPG Journal on the regional elections, pointing to the undercurrents and possible harbingers of the 2024 presidential elections.