Objective Mind

1. Ukrainian power struggle in Russian

   On September 3, 2014, Vladimir Putin presented his seven-point plan for Eastern Ukraine. But while the Western public ponders his motivation and possible tricks, or haughtily believes that the sanctions might have an effect after all, Putin intervenes in the Ukrainian power struggle. An op-ed by Stefan Bernhardt

2. EU’s economic sanctions

   Since July 31 2014, the EU’s first economic sanctions against Russia have been active - long awaited by the European public, and demanded by the US. However, a deeper consideration reveals that the EU’s tougher approach is more of an appearance than substance. A report by Stefan Bernhardt

3. Sanctions against Russia

   Are EU’s sanctions useful in ending the Ukraine conflict or are they senseless? The aim needs to be the de-escalation in Eastern Ukraine. A background article by Stefan Bernhardt

4. First résumé of the Ukraine crisis

   The overthrow of the Yanukovich government in Kiev, the Crimean crisis and the ongoing fights in Eastern Ukraine are likely to have profound changes in Europe. A background article by Stefan Bernhardt

5. Moscow’s advantage

   Sanctions, threats, military action and no dialog: a sad record of Western actions and the Ukrainian interim government during the crisis. In doing so, they in fact act towards the Kremlin’s favor. An op-ed by Stefan Bernhardt

6. Ukraine crisis 2014

   After the Maidan protests in Kiev and the overthrow of president Viktor Yanukovych, the country cannot find peace. Crimea has now joined Russia. Eastern Ukraine is protesting against Kiev and also advocating for separation. A dossier by the OM editorial staff

7. Rejection of the EU in Eastern Europe

   In the discussion of the legal aspects of Crimea's separation from Ukraine, the exemplary function this bears for other separatist movements is frequently overlooked. In the Republic of Moldova, two regions pursue closer relations with Russia and, in doing so, reject the EU. A background article by Kristina Holzapfel

8. Delving assuredly into crisis

   There was much outrage in Europe and the USA towards the Russian move in Crimea in 2014. The crisis in Ukraine was largely predictable, however, as the Cold War has continued in security policy. A background article by Stefan Bernhardt