MAIN TAKEAWAY OF THE MONTH
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine only days after recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics. Ukraine has been under intense assault since February 24th, with hundreds of thousands of people leaving the nation and the government forced to order a general mobilization and organize the armed resistance of forces. Despite the start of preliminary talks between the two parties, Russian forces have continued their heavy strikes. In a more concerning move, Putin has placed his nuclear deterrent troops on “special alert.” Meanwhile, the West has slapped severe and unprecedented sanctions on Russia, specifically targeting its banking, trade, and aviation sectors. For the first time in its history, the EU has agreed to provide military aid and weapons, while Germany will increase defense expenditure to more than 2% of its GDP. Major corporations are also ceasing business with Russia. The Western Balkans’ reaction has been mixed, with some supporting Western sanctions and others abstaining, while emphasizing the necessity of preserving nations’ territorial integrity.