Diplomatic interactions between China and Russia remain frequent and take place at the highest levels. Between July and September, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had as many as eight high-level meetings with their Chinese counterparts in various formats. The frequency of these meetings signals a strong focus from both sides on strengthening relations and expanding cooperation, exemplified by the first China–Russia consultation on the peaceful Uses of Outer Space Affairs, held on 8 August.
Publications
Countering Russian hybrid interference with EU sanctions
Ukrainian diplomacy in favour of sanctions against Russian military aggression, which began in February 2022, drew attention to threats linked to Russian hybrid operations in Europe. In this context, the EU experienced a geopolitical awakening, reflecting its internal vulnerabilities to the malign influence exerted unhindered by Russia on EU member states for decades.
Review of “frozen conflicts” in the EU neighbourhood: Rearrangement of the regional security chessboard
The transformation of “frozen conflicts” in the EU-Russia common neighbourhood around the Black Sea region is in full swing in some cases, and somewhat intact in others. The central factor in the changing geopolitical environment surrounding post-Soviet territorial conflicts remains the 2022 Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
“Traitors” and the split in the Russian opposition
The three-part documentary series "Traitors", produced by Aleksey Navalny's associate Maria Pevchikh, was released on 16 April, 23 April and 1 May this year. According to Pevchikh, it is a screening of Navalny's manifesto published last year, which embodies the thoughts of the oppositionist who was killed in prison.
Lessons of War: Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Damage, Resilience and Future Opportunities
After the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, energy security became a particularly sensitive issue for Europe and seeking ways to abandon Russian energy resources became a priority. Events such as the bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in September 2022 continued to increase attention to this topic in Europe. Such actions in times of war especially attract the attention of Western governments and associations.
Two years of war in the eyes of Ukrainian experts
Two years into the Russian full-scale war against Ukraine and 10 years after the occupation of Crimea and aggression in Donbas, it is important to keep following the opinions of Ukrainian experts. This paper provides an overview of gathered written, spoken, or just empirically observable opinions among Ukrainian professionals, of how they perceive the current vector of the war, international and domestic Ukrainian politics.
NATO’s Plans to Arm Ukraine
Russian attacks and advances in Ukraine make it increasingly uncomfortable for NATO to stand passively on the sideline. NATO remains unlikely to take steps toward Ukraine’s accession but is now considering taking over the coordination of weapons supplies and training and creating a dedicated fund to sustain them long-term.
China review 2024-1. Elections in Taiwan. China‘s Reaction and Upcoming Challenges
The presidential and parliamentary (Legislative Yuan, 立法院) elections of the Republic of China (Taiwan) took place on 13 January without any major intrigue. Out of three candidates, Lai Ching-te (賴清德), the vice-president of outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), was elected President of Taiwan.
“Thus, all the West must do is maintain military and economic support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. A firm and principled response against aggression is the only language that Putin understands—and it clearly makes him uncomfortable”
“Things like the war in Ukraine are a good lesson for us, they give us time to ready ourselves. The Ukrainians are buying us time, we need to use that well and prepare”
“The Lithuanian government is keeping its promise to promote values-oriented diplomacy, which is grounded in an appreciation for diversity, dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful resolutions of disputes in all domains of international relations”
NATO 2023
NATO Public Forum
The NATO Public Forum was co-organised by NATO, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, the Atlantic Council, the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Munich Security Conference, kicked off today.
Discussion “NATO Summit in Vilnius: Priorities and Expectations”
The speakers stressed the need to strengthen further cooperation with Pacific partners, particularly in the area of information and intelligence.
Discussion on whether is Europe ready to Face Hardships in Support of Ukraine
The Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with the Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme and Lithuanian Embassy in London, hosted the discussion "Is Europe ready to face hardships in support of Ukraine?".
Media library
The 9th Annual EESC Conference on Lithuanian Foreign Policy, Commemorating Stasys Lozoraitis
On 12 December, the EESC, together with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, organised the 9th Annual EESC Conference on Lithuanian Foreign Policy, Commemorating Stasys Lozoraitis. The conference took place at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius and covered Ukraine’s struggle for its freedom, the role of artificial intelligence in international relations, Germany’s role in Lithuania and Europe’s security infrastructure, and the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington DC.
Research programmes of the Eastern Europe Studies Centre
The aim of the research programmes is to analyse the most important processes in international politics, security and economics, to understand their impact on Lithuania, to make recommendations to decision-makers and to inform the general public. The content of the programmes includes the preparation of analytical studies and publications, the organisation of conferences, and the production of visual material. Analytical work is carried out by leading Lithuanian and foreign experts.
