Latest analyses of Russia’s war on Ukraine [What Think Tanks are thinking]

Briefing 21-03-2022

Russia’s armed forces have increased their bombardment and shelling of Ukrainian cities, stepping up the war launched on 24 February. However, new talks between Moscow and Kiev about a future status for Ukraine outside NATO have raised hopes about a possible breakthrough in the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has renewed calls on NATO to establish a ‘no-fly zone’ over Ukraine. Instead, the West has imposed tough sanctions against Russia, and many companies are withdrawing from the country, pushing it towards a default, emptying its shops and sending the rouble into freefall. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on 16 March that Russia was ready to discuss Ukraine's neutrality, but added that Moscow would still achieve the goals of its military operation. Ukraine says it is willing to negotiate to end the war but will not surrender or accept Russian ultimatums. This note gathers links to the recent publications and commentaries from many international think tanks on Russia’s war on Ukraine, its implications for the two countries, for the European Union and for the whole world. Earlier analyses of the implications of the war can be found in a previous edition of the ‘What Think Tanks are Thinking’ series.