The trial of a punk band in Russia reflects the Putin regime’s hard-line opinions on political dissent, and those views are shaping its foreign policy, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.

Vladimir Putin’s Middle East trip was an effort to explain policies on Iran and Syria that have put it at odds with Israel and many Arab states, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.

Vladimir Putin’s reelection as president raises concerns over domestic reforms and relations with Washington. Russia’s future will be determined by Putin’s handling of opponents and whether oppositio…

The mass protests in Russia challenging the parliamentary vote reflect increasing hostility to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and have the potential to change Russian politics in a fundamental way, sa…

At their meeting in Deauville May 25, Russian President Medvedev and U.S. President Obama remained stalled on missile defense cooperation and Russia’s bid to join the WTO, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanov…