While many in the West perceive Vladimir Putin as an unrestrained strongman, expert Kimberly Marten says that the Russian president is deftly managing disparate factions surrounding the Kremlin.

The focus of the EU and U.S. response should go beyond the passenger jet downing and address broader concerns about Russia’s policies toward Ukraine, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.

Ukraine’s May 25 elections will likely proceed amid attempted disruptions by separatists in the east and U.S. officials should be prepared to bolster support for the government, says former ambassado…

Outmatched by the Russian military, Ukrainian forces require more support from the Pentagon, including defensive weapons, says expert Steven Pifer.

Ukraine may be heading for the type of frozen conflict that occurred in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Moldova immediately after the breakup of the Soviet Union, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.