We often hear that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has transformed Europe, forcing many nations to reimagine their approaches to everything from energy to defense and security. But the conflict, now well into its third year, hasn’t just jolted the continent out of postwar complacency. In some of the countries that border Ukraine, Russia’s neoimperial ambitions have upended domestic politics, shifted geopolitical strategies, and influenced elections.
We often hear that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has transformed Europe, forcing many nations to reimagine their approaches to everything from energy to defense and security. But the conflict, now well into its third year, hasn’t just jolted the continent out of postwar complacency. In some of the countries that border Ukraine, Russia’s neoimperial ambitions have upended domestic politics, shifted geopolitical strategies, and influenced elections.
This edition of Flash Points examines how Moscow has tightened its grip on five of those states: Belarus, Georgia, Hungary, Moldova, and Slovakia.
Ukraine’s War Is Killing Another Country
Paul Hockenos examines how Moldova’s fate has become tightly tied up with its neighbor’s.
How Orban Became Putin’s Pawn
Among all of Russia’s useful idiots, few have sought to make themselves more useful than the Hungarian prime minister, FP’s Keith Johnson writes.
Next Door to Ukraine, Moscow’s Grip Is Tightening
In Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova, the Kremlin is waging a quiet war to consolidate its hegemony, Jeffrey Mankoff writes.
Russia Just Helped Swing a European Election
Slovakia’s new Russia-friendly president won office with the help of a barrage of pro-Kremlin disinformation, Paul Hockenos writes.
How Georgia Sided With Its Enemy
Georgians are angry at the government’s pro-Russian turn, Ani Chkhikvadze writes.
The post How Putin’s War Is Transforming Ukraine’s Neighbors appeared first on Foreign Policy.
