Traditional theories about International Relations are simply not good enough to explain what is going on between Russia and the West. Andrej Krickovic delivers the argument in this policy memo for PONARS Eurasia.
Russia
Russia is not on the verge of apocalypse
The notion that Russia is about to collapse is way too common in Western discourse. Mark Galeotti reacts against this trend in an almost entertainingly scathing review of one such apocalyptic article.
Chkalovsk air base in Kaliningrad reopens after expansion
The primary military air base in Kaliningrad has reopened after a major refit and expansion. Now Russia can operate more and larger aircraft from Chkalovsk.
Russia’s new Karakurt-class corvette is an aggressive little warship
Russia’s new Karakurt-class corvette is a potent warship for littoral warfare. It has many improvements over the Buyan-M class and is still equipped with nuclear capable Kalibr missiles.
Michael Kofman sums up Vostok 2018
Nowhere near 300,000 soldiers took part in the exercise, but it was still interesting. Not least for its focus on a free-play scenario instead of the usual rehearsal of predefined maneuvers.
Israel has reckless attitude to safety, says Russia after Il-20 crash
Russia seems genuinely tired of Israel’s behavior when it comes to deconfliction during air strikes. They have presented evidence that Israel uses the established deconfliction channels very little and too late. Surprisingly, they praise the Americans for being very professional about safety.
Second Lada-class submarine launched 13 years after keel laying
Russia’s most modern diesel-electric submarine is the Lada-class, and now the second ship in the series has been launched into the water. Barring further delays, it will be handed to the navy in 2020. It still doesn’t have air-independent propulsion, though.
Russia crowns terrible PR week with new “evidence” about MH17 shoot-down
Russia has presented evidence that Ukraine owned the BUK missile that shot down Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. But their credibility record is really poor when it comes to explanations about MH17. This tops a week with several stories that make the Russian government look silly.
Russia still plans to build Mistral-class replacement
Russia seems determined to build new large universal landing ships for the Navy. It is obvious that they really wanted the Mistral-class ships that France in 2015 decided not to deliver.
Exposure of GRU spy in Estonian Army is a blow to integration of Russians
Army major Deniss Metsavas was a role model for successful integration of Russians in Estonia. He appeared on TV several times posing as a patriotic Estonian. But now he has been exposed as a GRU spy, and suspicion against the Russian minority has soared.
