Russian ship Moscow in 2009.
Russia will undertake a significant naval increase in the Black Sea following the Russian seizure of Crimea, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a Tuesday teleconference. Read More
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. RIA Novosti Photo
In the extended haggling for influence in Ukraine, the U.S. led yesterday with third round of targeted sanctions against Russia. Read More
USS Taylor (FFG-50) departs Naval Station Mayport in 2014. US Navy Photo
U.S. Navy frigate USS Taylor (FFG-50) has returned to the Black Sea for the second time in as many months, service officials told USNI News on Wednesday. Read More
Members of the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) will arrive in Poland on Wednesday to participate in a series of exercises. US Army Photo
The U.S. will send more than 600 troops for a training mission in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday. Read More
ODESSA, Ukraine — The flagship of the Ukrainian sea service now sits parked in a commercial port in the picturesque seaside town of Odessa, more known for its nightclubs than its military infrastructure. Next to it floats a handful of tiny coastal boats sporting Ukraine’s colors, blue and yellow.
This is all that’s left of Ukraine’s navy. Read More
In Tartu Estonia, there is a building on the main square, constructed on an uncertain foundation that leans precipitously. The locals call it the “Leaning House” or the “Pisa Building.” Ironically, it leans to the west, appearing something like a hunting hound straining at the leash to be loosed to run after its quarry. In this case, though, complex histories, and Russia, are the leash.
An anti-Putin protester. Reuters Photo
This is the second of two articles on the current crisis in Ukraine and on possible policy options for the international community. The first was on history of conflict in the region.
The Ukraine’s current turmoil and the standoff in the Crimea make for a complex strategic issue in Russia’s near-abroad, where Russia holds many of the cards to advantage.
But the leaders of Western Europe, Ukraine, and the United States are not bereft of policy options either. Read More
Russian troops in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Reuters Photo
This is the first of two articles on the current crisis in Ukraine and on the history of conflict in the region. The second will outline possible policy options for the international community.
The events of the last three weeks have catapulted Ukraine to the forefront of the U.S. policy agenda, sparking an intense crisis of confidence between the United States and Russia—the worst since 1979. Read More
USS Farragut (DDG-99) arrives in Severomorsk, Russia for a two-day visit after completing exercise Northern Eagle 2012. Russian Navy Photo
Planning for the biennial Northern Eagle exercise between Russia, the U.S. and Norway has been “put on hold,” while the U.S. says troops have massed on the ground in the Crimea region of Ukraine, a military official told USNI News on Tuesday. Read More
Ukrainian Defense Minister Pavlo Lebedev and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, February 22, 2013. Atlantic Council Photo
When it comes to maritime security, piracy has become one of the most prevalent issues for NATO to deal with. In considering which nations are most involved in combating maritime piracy, Ukraine is probably not the first name that comes to mind. As it turns out, this non-NATO, non-EU Eastern European nation is heavily involved in the fight against piracy at sea. Ukraine has even become a valuable ally to NATO in anti-piracy campaigns, something not exactly expected from a nation so closely aligned with Russia on the geopolitical map. Read More
