At the recent G7 Summit in Italy, leaders committed to providing Ukraine with a financial lifeline of approximately $50 billion using frozen Russian assets. However, two months later, the EU has yet to take the necessary steps to enact the legal framework required for this to happen. This delay is putting pressure on Ukraine’s finances, as time is running out. The decision made at the G7 Summit was a creative compromise, with the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. initially pushing for the seizure of all $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. The $50 billion earmarked for Ukraine is crucial, as…

In a recent article on the Kyiv Independent, Anders Åslund discusses the critical importance of U.S. support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. While President Joe Biden’s administration saved Ukraine from being overrun by Russia, the conflict has now reached a stalemate, posing challenges for Ukraine’s goals of territorial integrity and restoring displaced citizens. Looking ahead to the 2024 election, Anders Åslund suggests that Kamala Harris should make it a priority to shift the tide in favor of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy and increased resources. Despite Biden’s current policy of supporting Ukraine without provoking…

Renowned journalist Anne Applebaum has released a groundbreaking book titled “Autocracy Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World”. In just 176 pages, Applebaum delves into the evolution of autocracies, emphasizing the shift towards sophisticated networks that rely on financial structures, security services, and technological exports for surveillance and propaganda. She explores the decline of global democracy over the past two decades, focusing on countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These rulers prioritize staying in power over the well-being of their citizens, often ruling collapsed economies with no remorse. Applebaum highlights the role of Russia in destabilizing…

As the West unites against Putin’s war of aggression, the focus is now on the need to act swiftly. Wars are won with shock and awe, not hesitation. It is understood that Putin thrives on permanent wars to maintain power, making his demise the only plausible end to this conflict. The strategy for the West involves arming Ukraine and allowing them to hit strategic targets in Russia, while isolating Russia economically with stricter sanctions. The goal is to defeat Russia and prevent further aggression. While threats of nuclear war are issued by Putin and his allies, they are seen as…

In April 2021, former top Ukrainian officials predicted a Russian attack. In July 2021, Putin’s article denying the Ukrainian nation sparked war. The US, UK, Canada, and other allies supported Ukraine with arms. However, the US’s hesitance to act, fear of escalation, and subsequent Russian invasion on Feb. 24, 2022 led to calls for a no-fly zone. Following the invasion, the West united, delivered warnings, and imposed sanctions on Russia. Lack of a clear strategy remains a challenge, with US armament decisions unclear. The West must support Ukraine in defeating Russia by providing necessary arms and allowing attacks on aggressors.…

Reflecting on my experience growing up in Sweden during the Cold War, I vividly remember the Baltic peoples’ occupation and suffering. Visiting Estonia and Latvia in 1974, I encountered the stark reality of living in occupied countries. Fast forward to 1991, my dream of standing on Moscow’s Red Square and denouncing communism came true as I began working as an economic advisor to Russia’s new reform government. The fall of 1989 marked a significant period when communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe crumbled under democratic pressure, ushering in a wave of change captured in Timothy Garton Ash’s book, “We the People.”…