The article discusses potential U.S. sanctions on Russia under the Magnitsky Act, amid tensions at the Ukraine border. It highlights the act's targeting of human rights abuses and suggests preemptive action against Putin's regime to deter further aggression and focus on human rights. Theconversation.com

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has damaged over 160 cultural sites, including Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ukrainian officials claim Russia targets cultural sites, violating international law. Saint Sophia, built in the 11th century, symbolizes shared Orthodox Christian faith. The conversation.com

Victor Peskin explores U.S. hesitancy to prosecute Putin for aggression, highlighting concerns about setting precedents affecting U.S. actions. Despite potential benefits of an indictment, complexities of international law and politics influence the decision. Academicminute.org

Russia may resume nuclear testing following New START Treaty suspension, announced by Putin on February 21. Testing could be used for coercive diplomacy or to confirm new nuclear capabilities, potentially at Novaya Zemlya, amid military modernization and strategic disputes in the Arctic. Nationalinterest.org

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a major religious and cultural force in Ukraine, supports millions during the Russian invasion. This church, blending Orthodox and Catholic elements, has historically supported Ukrainian identity and independence, notably during Soviet oppression. Theconversation.com

The EU plans to establish a special court with UN support to prosecute Russian leaders, including Putin, for aggression in Ukraine. This court aims to address the challenges faced by international justice systems, exemplified by the Serbian leader Milosevic's trial. Theconversation.com

The article discusses Russia's use of Alexander Nevsky's historical image to foster a nationalistic narrative amid its conflict with Ukraine. Nevsky, a medieval prince and saint, is portrayed as a symbol in Russia's ideological and physical battles, influencing both historical perception and current political strategies. WilsonCenter.org

Olivia Arnold introduces the fall 2022 issue of Tactus, highlighting new columns and the power of choral music in connecting communities. She emphasizes empowerment, equity, and inclusion, and encourages community involvement and collaboration. Acdawestern.org/tactus

Pope Francis visited Kazakhstan to attend a religious congress, advocating for peace and religious freedom. His visit highlighted concerns for Kazakhstan's Catholic minority amidst regional tensions with Russia and ongoing persecution of smaller Christian denominations. Theconversation.com

Konstantin Goldman was arrested in Moscow for displaying Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' as a form of protest against Russia's military policies. Literature, historically central in Russian culture, is now a divisive tool in the ongoing cultural and political conflicts regarding Ukraine. zocalopublicsquare.org

Kyrgyzstan is witnessing a shift from its tradition of 'street democracy' to creeping authoritarianism under President Sadyr Japarov. Influenced by Putin's style, Japarov's government advances legislation reducing Parliament's role and curbing dissent, raising concerns about democracy's future in the country. theconversation.com

Alexander McConnell discusses Soviet antiwar activism with Olga Medvedkova, focusing on her 1983 arrest. They explore historical and contemporary antiwar movements in Russia, highlighting differences in political contexts and activist strategies. digitalscholarship.umich.edu