This month has marked one year since the start of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. On the frontlines, Bakhmut remains the main battleground. Ukraine continues receiving significant military and financial support, especially from the United States and the EU member states.
Russia has increased its collaboration with relevant regional and global powers from Asia and Africa – but they hesitate taking a clear stance on the Ukrainian war. Iran continues to help Russia in drone production, while setting up ways to facilitate Russian parallel trade, China proposed a peace plan for the war without setting clear follow-ups, while Belarus has become more aggressive towards Ukraine, and threatens to enter the conflict while preparing a volunteer military force.
The Republic of Moldova has been a victim of Russian hybrid warfare, as reports appeared, which claimed that Russia is preparing a coup in the country. Russia has also stated that it will protect Transnistria, a separatist republic which is de facto part of the Republic of Moldova, in the case of an alleged Ukrainian attack. Romania continues aiding Moldova, especially through the energy crisis.
In the Balkans, elections are looming in both Bulgaria and Turkey. The recent tensions between Kosovo and Serbia led to both parties accepting the EU updated proposal on normalizing the relations between the two countries. Tirana was shaken by anti-government protests.