IBA Global Insight – Russia’s increasing challenges
In June, Russia's President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the impact of Ukraine's missile and drone strikes, admitting problems such as fuel supply shortages. More than four years after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia also faces increasing pressure internationally, for example the EU's expanding sanctions regime. Below, we’ve selected some of the best of Global Insight's continuing coverage of these and related issues.
News analysis: Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine
In early June, the Kremlin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call to hold new peace talks, ending speculation that negotiations may resume. Earlier public statements by Putin and the Kremlin had hinted that Moscow was ready to talk, even as Russian attacks on Ukraine intensified.
News analysis: EU increases pressure on Russia with latest sanctions
In June, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the latest package of sanctions against Russia. It includes new measures targeting financial institutions, cryptocurrency platforms and shadow fleet vessels, all of which aims to squeeze the Russian economy and weaken Putin’s war machine.
Podcast: US diverges from EU with approach to Russia sanctions
The US government’s decision to issue waivers for sanctions on Russian oil in March has proven highly controversial and at odds with the position of the EU for example, which has insisted it is crucial to maintain pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine via sanctions.
Feature: Rule of law in the time of Trump, Putin and Netanyahu
Following the Second World War, the UN Charter confirmed a seemingly unwavering commitment to uphold human rights. This feature assesses the challenges the UN now faces in preserving the rule of law, particularly given Russia’s position as a permanent member of the Security Council.
Film: Interview with Sir Bill Browder
Sir Bill Browder is CEO of Hermitage Capital Management and Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign. Here, he recounts his transition from being Russia's largest foreign investor to a declared threat after exposing state corruption, which led to the creation of the Magnitsky Act, now a global sanctions tool.
News analysis: EU’s €90bn deal signals growing support for Ukraine
In December, after weeks of negotiations, EU leaders finally reached agreement on a €90bn loan to support Ukraine. The International Monetary Fund had previously forecast that Kyiv faced a €130bn funding gap for 2026-27, meaning that Ukraine was likely to run out of money to finance the war effort in the next few months.
Feature: The UN, the international order and the ‘Board of Peace’
With the Ukraine war still ongoing after four years and unpredictable turmoil being unleashed in the Middle East, a strong and effective UN is needed more than ever. But the chaos of the Trump administration and the so-called ‘Board of Peace’ present new challenges to maintaining the international order.
News analysis: Hungary’s ‘second return to Europe’ is a boost for Ukraine
Péter Magyar’s victory in the Hungarian elections in April is set to have swift and significant implications for the EU and Ukraine. While cautious of Kyiv’s bid for fast-track membership of the bloc, Magyar’s support for defending Ukraine presents a stark contrast to the position of his predecessor, Viktor Orbán.
