There are at least three groups of influence in the “Sluha Narodu” faction which shape Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s policy on conflict settlement in Donbas. Kolomoiskyi’s group, group “Kvartal” and Avakov’s group seek to use Zelenskyi’s peaceful intentions in serving own political and business interests. Depending on balance of power in the ruling party and influence of Read more about Peaceful settlement: major groups of influence and possible scenarios[…]

After reaching agreements on disengagement of forces near Stanytsia-Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske, the Ukrainian government announced its intentions to continue this process along the entire contact line. The disengagement of forces will enable to reduce military and civilian casualties, facilitate the crossing of the contact line and demine demilitarized zones. However, due to risks for Read more about Disengagement of forces in Donbas: illusions and reality[…]

A prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia brought a tactical victory to both Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Vladimir Putin. However, Russia gained a strategic victory while Ukraine did not manage to balance between the release of its citizens and the pursuit of national interests. A new stage of prisoner exchange will depend on further progress in Read more about Prisoner exchange: progress towards peace or false hope?[…]

After the annexation by Russia, Crimea has actually turned into an “island of lawlessness”. Russia as an occupying power disregards its obligations in Crimea under international humanitarian law and brazenly violates fundamental human rights and freedoms, enshrined in international human rights instruments. Moreover, Russia impedes an access of international human rights missions to Crimea. At Read more about Human rights situation in the occupied Crimea[…]

  33% of Ukrainian population are personally concerned about warfare in Donbas. The question of war and peace will to a large extend determine electoral moods of Ukrainian military servicemen, internally displaced persons (IDPs), residents of eastern regions and ideological voters. “Opposition Platform-For Life” will receive electoral support of citizens who are in favour of Read more about Question of war and peace in the 2019 early parliamentary election[…]

Information Background On April 24, 2019, Vladimir Putin signed a decree on simplifying the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainian citizens living in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In accordance with this decree, Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in CADLR will be able to obtain a Russian passport in Rostov-on-Don Read more about Issuance of Russian passports to residents of CADLR (Certain Areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Regions)[…]

The conflict in Donbas is among major problems facing Ukrainian society and priority issues of the 2019 Ukrainian presidential election. Various presidential candidates pay different attention to the Donbas issue. Nevertheless, an analysis of election programs of the main presidential candidates demonstrates that popular peace proposals include the negotiations in the Budapest format, the UN Read more about Donbas issue in the Ukrainian presidential campaign[…]

Ukraine uses international courts as one of the instruments to counter Russia’s aggression. In 2014-2019, Ukraine brought complaints against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights, the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, as well as accepted the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over the Euromaidan protests, the events in Read more about Ukraine v. Russia: analysis of inter-state cases in international courts[…]

Position on Crimea determines the internal legitimacy of political forces in Ukraine. However, the return of the peninsula directly concerns a rather narrow stratum of voters in Ukraine. As a result, the de-occupation of Crimea is out of the priority issues of the presidential campaign 2019 being left on the periphery of the presidential election Read more about Crimean issue in the presidential election 2019[…]

The attack on Ukrainian warships and the arrest of Ukrainian navy sailors stepped up public and political discussions on the severance of diplomatic relations with Russia. If Ukraine takes such a decisive step, the country may gain some political advantages, though it may risk of losing an already limited access to Ukrainian citizens who for Read more about Severance of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Russia: pros and cons[…]