The Fight for Russia’s Borderlands

The European Union and Russia have battled for influence over the country for a decade. An upcoming vote could reorient the country more firmly toward Moscow.

Russia's decision reopens a vital market for the energy-dependent Central Asian country, which is facing worsening economic conditions.

Poland is trying to become stronger and more independent as Russia's influence looms. Its latest step in that plan is to create an alternative to a Russian shipping canal.

Tajikistan appears set for a military operation in its restive eastern region -– and that could soon attract the attentions of Russia and China.

Four years on, the ground battle in eastern Ukraine is showing no signs of abating. And now, a new theater may be opening: the Sea of Azov.

Poland is looking to bolster its close relationship with the White House by persuading the United States to build a military base on its soil, but challenges from both east and west might scuttle its best-laid plans.

The Russian president has proposed that the two countries set aside preconditions and sign a long-stalled peace treaty. The agreement would, however, effectively recognize Russian control of the southern Kuril Islands, which Japan claims, and it is unlikely to entice Tokyo.

While militants in the northern part of the region have previously threatened Russia proper's main population centers, the threat in the Caucasus still appears contained.