war – Page 2 – European Neighbourhood Monitor

“Russia’s Influence in Post-Soviet States Declines Amid Shifting Regional Dynamics”

Russia is facing a notable decline in its influence over several post-Soviet states, as countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia pursue greater independence, forge new alliances, and reduce Moscow’s military and economic presence, experts say. Jeffrey Mankoff, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, highlighted these developments in a recent […]

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Tensions Escalate as Russia Attempts to Establish Buffer Zone in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Eastern Europe / ENM

Sumy, Ukraine – Russian forces are attempting to establish a strategic buffer zone in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, according to local authorities. Oleh Hryhorov, Governor of Sumy, reported via Telegram that four villages near the border are currently in a “grey zone” due to ongoing hostilities. Despite repeated efforts, Russia has so far failed to

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Sudan’s civil war enters its third year

Africa / ENM

Sudan’s brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has entered its third year, as the involvement of rebel groups and persistent violence continue to destabilize the region, exacerbating what the United Nations calls the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. In a recent escalation of violence, Sudan’s paramilitary

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Borrell warns Israel and Lebanon on the brink of war

Middle East / ENM

EU foreign chief Josep Borrell (picture) has called the escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel ‘very dangerous and worrying’. ‘Israel and Lebanon are on the brink of all-out war,’ he warned. The European Union foreign secretary said he remained committed to de-escalating the situation in Lebanon. ‘But our worst expectations are coming true,’

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EU pledges to “help Ukraine keep the lights on”

Eastern Europe / ENM

On a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Kiev, she has promised extra help to Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks and get through the winter. Money that Ukraine will be able to put to good use as next winter promises to be even tougher than the 2 previous ones,

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West Africa’s Terrorism Crisis Deepens as International Involvement Shifts

Africa / ENM

West Africa has become the world’s terrorism hotspot, creating a rift among European governments on how to respond. While some nations facing increased migration flows advocate for maintaining communication with the region’s military juntas, others are reconsidering their strategy in light of the escalating conflict. In the heart of the Sahel, jihadis launched a bold

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“For Ukraine, there is a sober military reality”

Eastern Europe / ENM

Writing in Belgian magazine Trends, Professor Marc De Vos comments how things stand during the Ukraine war: “At the cost of many human lives and equipment, Ukraine has already recaptured several hundred square kilometers of territory. But Russia occupies some 160,000 square kilometers, an area twice the size of the Benelux. Lacking a strong air

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Clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops continue

Uncategorized / ENM

Clashes have erupted once* again between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, after nearly 100 soldiers were killed in the most mortal fighting between the two since 2020. This despite Russian claims it had brokered a ceasefire on Tuesday evening. Both sides have blamed each other. The region represents a key corridor for pipelines carrying oil and

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Applying “just war theory” to contemporary conflicts

Eastern Europe, Middle East / ENM

In OpinioJuris, Hans Gutbrod, an Associate Professor at Ilia State University in Tbilisi and Senior Fellow, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Seton Hall University, comments on the “just war theory”: “Four key conflicts of recent years – Afghanistan, Iraq, Karabakh and the recent Russian attack on Ukraine – illustrate how illuminating the framework remains,

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