Putin’s war on Ukraine marks the end of the near abroad—the idea that Russia enjoys a special status in much of the post-Soviet space. But while Russia’s neighbors are seeking greater independence, they are not necessarily turning West.
The notion of progressively closer ties between Russia and the EU is no longer viable. Brussels urgently needs to develop a new set of objectives and strategies toward Moscow.
A pro-European Ukraine would have huge advantages for Poland and the rest of the EU. But it would also have broader consequences for Eastern Europe’s complex web of interests.
Russia and the European Union are competing intensely for influence in Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other countries.
As the Eurasian customs union’s influence on the world stage and in Europe’s neighborhood is likely to increase, the EU should attempt to understand the project and find ways to protect its own interests.
Strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia is one of the most powerful ways to foster development and would enable the states of the region to better meet the daunting individual and collective challenges they face.
