Ukraine advances don't equal Russian retreat

The past week has been one of alternately hopeful and discouraging news in the 7-months-long invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We asked Ukraine expert Paul D'Anieri for guidance on whether the developments signal a winddown in Russian aggression or if they foretell a next, more perilous chapter. D'Anieri wrote the...

By J.D. Warren | | Social Science / Education

'The Most Important World Leader Since World War II'

Mikhail Gorbachev is the man whose actions inserted the terms perestroika and glasnost into the international vernacular. In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union, presiding over a remarkable five-year span during which until-then unimaginable democratic reforms were instituted, the Berlin Wall fell, communism was virtually wiped...

By J.D. Warren | | Social Science / Education

Expert: NATO has a workaround to naval blockade

NATO member countries have walked a line in the months since Russia invaded Ukraine: Supporting Ukraine short of triggering large-scale war with Russia. That line may soon become more difficult to navigate, with Russia now threatening a member of NATO. We asked UCR political scientist and NATO expert Kelechi Kalu...

What is your moral responsibility in Ukraine?

Letters to the editor populate the pages of media outlets, speaking to America's and Americans' moral authority to act, or not to act, in Ukraine. You and I didn't cause this. Then why do we feel we should be doing something more - and what do we do with that...

By J.D. Warren | | Social Science / Education

China-Russia: Any alliance is conditional, temporary

Related to Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine, China is fielding as many requests for aid from Russia as it's receiving threats from the West about what will happen if it provides that aid. We asked two UC Riverside China experts to provide perspective about the likelihood of all-in Chinese aid...

By J.D. Warren | | Social Science / Education

Experts on Ukraine-Russia

The war in Ukraine For fast access to experts, TEXT or call 951-534-8912, or email news@ucr.edu Paul D’Anieri, professor of political science D'Anieri asserts that the Ukrainian conflict is a product of Vladimir Putin and the Russian elite never having accepted Ukrainian independence in 1991. Putin was further angered by...

By UCR News | | Experts

Can Putin accept peace but also save face?

Wednesday, we asked UC Riverside Professor and leading Ukraine-Russia expert Paul D'Anieri to weigh in on breaking developments related to a 15-point peace plan being discussed that could end the month-long war between Ukraine and Russia. The conditions would surround Ukrainian neutrality — with a peace plan's fate dependent on...

By J.D. Warren | | Social Science / Education

A guide to understanding the Ukrainian conflict

UCR experts discuss topics surrounding Russia's invasion in Ukraine

‘Vicious, ruthless aggression, Adolf-Hitler style’

Who’s next? Polish native, Eastern Europe history expert assesses region’s mindset and prospects

Putin’s dark designs: Restore the pre-1917 Russian empire

Leading Ukraine-Russia historian weighs in on why Putin moved against Ukraine, and NATO's best posture