U.S. cities are reevaluating sister-city ties with Russian cities due to the Ukraine invasion. Decisions are tough, reflecting on decades of nonpolitical cooperation amidst geopolitical crises. Some U.S.-Russia partnerships persist, but many are inactive, while U.S.-Ukraine relationships grow.

The article examines the role of Russian private military security contractors (PMSCs), particularly the Wagner Group, in proxy wars in the Middle East and beyond. It explores their operations, legal status, and impact on Russia's international strategy and relations. Newamerica.org

The article discusses Russia's historical view of Ukraine as part of its empire, influencing Putin's refusal to acknowledge Ukrainian sovereignty. The term 'Little Russia' and policies suppressed Ukrainian identity, supporting Russia's contemporary claims and actions towards Ukraine. Theconversation.com

Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, has inspired mass protests across Russia against government corruption and for civil liberties, despite facing arrests and an assassination attempt. His actions resonate with historical calls for a rule-of-law based, normal European country. Theconversation.com

The Russian Orthodox Church published a 'black list of false clerics' to warn believers about fraudulent figures. Despite intentions, links provided to their online content may inadvertently increase their popularity and challenge the Church's authority. Publicorthodoxy.org

Russian President Putin recognized two breakaway Ukrainian regions, escalating tensions. The U.S. and EU responded with sanctions. Historical grievances and strategic interests, including energy dependency and cyber warfare, underscore the conflict's complexity and depth. Theconversation.com

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 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

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

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

Laurie Stoff's book examines Russia's 'Sisters of Mercy' during the Great War, highlighting their unprecedented engagement in traditionally male roles, challenging societal norms, and their critical yet underrecognized contributions to wartime medical services and social changes in early twentieth-century Russia.