War Child UK has published the Return Every Child report, exposing Russia’s systematic campaign to indoctrinate and militarise Ukrainian children in the occupied territories. Co-authored with the Human Security Centre and Save Ukraine, the report draws on testimonies from 200 rescued children and reveals harrowing patterns of abuse. The report concludes that the most likely goal of Russia is to encourage, manipulate, or coerce Ukrainian children into the Russian Armed Forces, including participation in combat against their own country.

Vladimir Putin’s reintegration of Orthodoxy into the political and social sphere in Russia has a very similar feel to it as Prince Vladimir’s Great Choice just over a millennium ago.

There is no doubt that Russian state security services are in a strong position — rebuilding quickly after a tricky few years of alleged intelligence failures at the start of the Ukraine War.

Russian disinformation and its tactics are nothing new, but have been steadily developing since the start of the 20th century.

The ability to assemble, demonstrate, and advocate for change is a cornerstone of any democratic society, yet restrictive measures such as Bill 1236 create a chilling effect that deters individuals from engaging in activism entirely

The House of Commons Defence Committee has published the HSC’s evidence on the UK contribution to European Security. The inquiry comes amidst an ongoing Strategic Defence Review, and as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year.

Russian interference in national elections is intensifying, but so is political and popular resistance to it. Recent events in Moldova, Georgia and Romania show that forces to counter the effects of this interference exist, but also that national systems continue to have vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited.

The label of an “Arms Race” is an exaggerated view on current events in the western Balkans. Croatia and Serbia both have legitimate cases to modernize and strengthen their armed forces in light of war in Europe and the desire for strengthened EU and NATO integration. It is the decision of politics to turn to historical animosity to justify the ongoing developments of both armed forces for domestic purposes.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania saw the signs that Russia was preparing its society for a large-scale war with the West, and they knew it could have occurred in their countries – but it was Ukraine who fell victim to Russia’s expansionist ambitions.

Power game conundrums, widespread corruption, and an active peace support mission are all considerable barriers for any country seeking to enter the EU.