For Ukrainians, Russia is now Tolkien’s Mordor
Magic in The Lord of the Rings sagas mirrors today’s powerful technology – and the dark impulses it can serve.
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Discover the latest New Statesman content on Russia, exploring the politics, culture and economy of the nation. Insightful coverage and analysis of the war in Ukraine and Putin’s presidency.
Leader: Vladimir Putin’s game of nuclear blackmail
By threatening a nuclear strike Russia hopes to bully the West into reducing support for Kyiv. This is a perilous…
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How should the US respond to a Russian nuclear attack?
We are entering the most dangerous nuclear crisis since the 1980s.
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The forgotten nuclear threat of North Korea
Kim Jong Un has fired a ballistic missile over Japan for the first time in five years.
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What could happen if Russia used nuclear weapons?
Russia's state Duma has approved the annexation of Ukrainian regions, will Putin now use nuclear weapons to hold these areas?
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Ukraine’s army makes a mockery of Vladimir Putin’s annexation
As the Russian president addressed the country’s elite, Ukrainian forces encircled Lyman, a key hub in Donbas.
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Will Vladimir Putin’s mobilisation backfire?
Russia’s already demoralised force will be joined by fearful men, just pressed into service, with little to offer and much…
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Nord Stream pipeline “sabotage” shows the weakness of Europe’s critical infrastructure
Several EU countries have blamed Russia for the apparent attacks on the controversial pipelines.
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Ukrainians stand firm in the face of Putin’s threats
As Russia escalates its war efforts with a partial mobilisation, kamikaze drones and threats of nuclear force, many in Ukraine…
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The unravelling of Vladimir Putin
Nuclear threats and mobilisation cannot hide the Russian president’s weakening grip on power.
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Anti-war protests in Russia accompany Putin’s “partial mobilisation”
Signs of dissatisfaction in the country are increasing.
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The war in Ukraine has tipped the balance of power in Russia’s relationship with India
India has increased its influence by criticising Moscow while continuing to do business with it.
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The UN is incapable of ensuring peace
Its General Assembly this week underlined how impotent it is in facing up to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
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Vladimir Putin’s draft order prompts panic in Russia
As men flee the country, the EU should welcome them.
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Is Putin going to start a nuclear war?
Under pressure in Ukraine, the Russian president’s threat is a deterrent.
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The dangerous logic behind Vladimir Putin’s speech
The Russian president has announced a mobilisation of army reserves and threatened nuclear force, ahead of “sham” votes in occupied…
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As an Armenian, I see history being repeated in the actions of Azerbaijan
Hostile neighbours, fickle allies and global indifference haunt Armenia’s past, and threaten its future.
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The UN General Assembly will underline Russia’s isolation
Even the countries Russia hoped it could pivot to after wrecking relations with the West are unsettled.
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Russian failures in Ukraine have emboldened Azerbaijan to attack Armenia
Energy demand in Europe, coupled with the Ukrainian advance, have changed the geopolitical calculations in the Caucasus.
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Where does Putin go from here?
Russia’s flailing offensive in Ukraine exposes the failings of the strongman system he has built.
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