Russia Archives | Reset DOC

Analyses

Russia

As the war in Ukraine drags on and Vladimir Putin presents himself as the architect of a “new world order” alongside Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un, Reset DOC spoke with Stephen Hanson, a leading American political scientist and expert on Russia and authoritarian regimes. Hanson is Professor of Government at the College of William & Mary and has previously served as director of Harvard’s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and of the Reves Center for International Studies.

International Affairs
Yaroslav Hrytsak: “Only a Security Union Can Bring Sustanable Peace in Ukraine”
Alessandra Tommasi 20 June 2025

“I’m ready to meet anyone, including Zelensky.” Vladimir Putin’s recent statement suggested a openness to renewed negotiations – though only “in the final phase.” But skepticism remains high in Kyiv and across Western capitals. The Kremlin’s latest proposal – disarmament, new elections, and ceding of occupied territories – was flatly rejected by Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia continues to escalate military pressure: just last Tuesday, it launched over 440 drones and 32 missiles in one of the most intense attacks since the war began. Against this backdrop, Reset DOC interviewed historian Yaroslav Hrytsak about Ukraine’s military position, diplomatic deadlock, Western support, and prospects for peace.
International Affairs
Ukraine Between Attrition and Diplomacy: The Human Cost of War
Ilaria Romano 6 May 2025

“The other night the sky turned completely red, something that hadn’t happened in a while. We were really scared,” says Tatiana, a former tour guide from Kyiv, who, for the umpteenth time in the past three years, was woken up by explosions. “We’re still lucky compared to those living near the front line, but since the beginning of this war, no one has been able to sleep,” she says. “Almost every night we are woken by the sound of sirens, even though we no longer go down to the subway to wait for it to end.”
International Affairs
Lev Gudkov: “Every Year 2% of Russia’s Elite Arrested by Putin”
Giancarlo Bosetti , Alessandra Tommasi 16 February 2024

Before the death of political opponent Alexei Navalny in the penal colony where he was serving a 19-year sentence, Reset DOC reached Russian statistician Lev Gudkov. In the interview, a figure emerges: the arrest of 2 percent of the Russian elite around Vladimir Putin every year, a form of control that goes beyond dissidents and anti-war voices.
International Affairs
Prigozhin’s March and Putin’s Lack of Action
Enrico Osvaldi 30 June 2023

Putin’s lack of reaction to Prigozhin’s June 23 “march for justice” may signal more than just an attempt to avoid a bloody conflict on the streets of Russia. The outward temerity of the Russian response could indicate that a real blow was dealt to Russian morale, however this could indicate more repressive measures to come from the Kremlin.
Religion
Holy War: The Centuries-Old Battle for Ukraine’s Soul
Rebecca Batley 8 September 2022
International Affairs
Trapped in History: The Kaliningrad Case
Fabio Turco 28 June 2022

A new crisis front is shaking Europe and threatens to definitively spark a conflict between Russia and Western countries. While in Ukraine the Russian army reports that is has conquered Severodonetsk and there is a resurgence of missile attacks on Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv, and most lately Kremenchuk, the tug-of-war currently taking place between Lithuania and the Russian Federation risks unpredictable consequences.
Political Theory
What is Left of the West’s Fairytale. Reflections on War
Andrea Graziosi 1 June 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks the beginning of a new geopolitical era. Time to come to terms with it – writes historian Andrea Graziosi
Philosophy
War and Indignation. The West’s Red Line Dilemma
Jürgen Habermas 6 May 2022

World-renowned philosopher Jürgen Habermas reflects on the West’s dilemma in framing its political and military response to Putin’s war on Ukraine
International Affairs, Religion
Putin’s War is Driving a Historic Schism in the Orthodox Church
Rebecca Batley 14 March 2022

Patriarch Kirill’s full embracing of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is fuelling an outright rebellion among priests and bishops – not just in Ukraine.