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Ondrej Ditrych

@ditrych.bsky.social
221 followers 70 following 77 posts

Senior Analyst for Russia and the Eastern Neighbourhood at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS)

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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The #Arctic is not just a source of Russian power. It is a vulnerability Europe can exploit. As the EU rethinks its Arctic policy, @ditrych.bsky.social argues for 2 priorities: constrain the revenues funding Russia’s war & counter Moscow’s hybrid campaigns. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
The northern frosts: The EU should contain and unpower Russia in the Arctic
The Arctic is a pillar of Russia’s power. It is also its Achilles’ heel. As the challenge Russia poses to European security intensifies, the EU must devote more attention and resources to the region i...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
#SOTEU: Europe is facing "cognitive warfare" To protect Europeans' ability to think critically & freely, the EU must embed cognitive security across all levels of its security policy & address the vulnerabilities that make manipulation possible. @ditrych.bsky.social. shorturl.at/5M84A
iss.europa.eu
Smoke and mirrors: Building EU resilience against manipulation through cognitive security
Cognitive security calls for more than traditional defence measures. It requires a direct response to the strategic targeting of perception and knowledge in covert political warfare.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Ukraine is no longer just a recipient of European defence support. Its experience and innovation can strengthen Europe’s own defences too. @ditrych.bsky.social & @lscazzieri.bsky.social on how Europe & Ukraine can build a deeper defence industrial partnership. ➡️ shorturl.at/jbQ5p
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
@ditrych.bsky.social & @lscazzieri.bsky.social presented their latest Brief on how European capital, tech & demand can combine with Ukrainian innovation & know-how to build a stronger shared defence industrial base. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Building together: How Europe and Ukraine should deepen their defence industrial partnership
Deeper EU-Ukraine defence industrial integration can strengthen Ukraine's ability to resist Russia while bolstering Europe's defences. Combining Kyiv's innovation and expertise with European capital, ...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
@lscazzieri.bsky.social and I on what is arguably one of the key challenges for European #security today: how to integrate 🇺🇦 in European defence industrial base. Empowering Ukraine, empowering 🇪🇺.
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
@lscazzieri.bsky.social and I on what is arguably one of the key challenges for European #security today: how to integrate 🇺🇦 in European defence industrial base. Empowering Ukraine, empowering 🇪🇺.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
#SOTEU: @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu reiterates unwavering support for Ukraine. But how can Europe make that support more effective and sustainable? ↓ 10 practical ideas to spend smarter & support harder. shorturl.at/Dw4Gg
shorturl.at
Empowering Ukraine: Spend smarter, support harder
How can the EU better empower Ukraine? This collection of expert analyses offers practical policy proposals, arguing that that stronger EU support for Ukraine’s defence, recovery and integration is ke...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Today’s #SOTEU touched on several questions EUISS has been working on closely: Europe’s security architecture, how to sustain support for Ukraine & the strategic enablers Europe still lacks. Some of our proposals ↓
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The new 🇪🇺 Arctic strategy should pave the way to peaceful, fair and sustainable development of the #Arctic. Better constraining and countering (C2) Russia here would help on all fronts.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
10 ideas to empower #Ukraine 💡 Idea #5: Get big business on board Large-scale private investment & major companies will be essential to rebuild infrastructure, modernise industry & integrate Ukraine into global value chains. 🧵 (1/8)
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Lithium, cobalt, nickel & more: enlargement partners hold many of the critical raw materials Europe needs. They could strengthen Europe's economic security & accelerate enlargement, but only if the EU gets it right, explain @ditrych.bsky.social & Bojana Zorić. shorturl.at/mzYdS
shorturl.at
Mining for Europe's future: Critical raw materials, public attitudes and risks in enlargement partners
Can critical raw materials accelerate EU enlargement while strengthening Europe’s economic security? Sustainable investment, local value chains and high governance standards are essential to turn reso...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Idea 1 (w. @ditrych.bsky.social): How to facilitate Ukraine's reconstruction while deconflicting EU and US approaches? A Peace and Prosperity Compact within the G7, focused on setting up favourable conditions for investment in Ukraine
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Steven Everts @sbeverts.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
It’s 500 days since Ukraine was told it had ‘no cards’…. Now is the moment to go all in on Empowering Ukraine and unpowering Russia. What’s needed is more creativity, not more money. Here 10 concrete ideas to do just that. ↘️
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The EU doesn't need major new spending to strengthen Ukraine's hand. It needs to spend smarter and support harder. Our new @euiss.bsky.social collection that I had the pleasure to edit offers ten concrete ways to turn today's momentum into a good peace: iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Empowering Ukraine
How can the EU better empower Ukraine? This collection of expert analyses offers practical policy proposals, arguing that that stronger EU support for Ukraine’s defence, recovery and integration is ke...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
⚠️ Belarus under Lukashenka is becoming a platform for Russian military power, coercion and intimidation against the EU. Read @ditrych.bsky.social's full analysis on why the EU needs a recalibrated Belarus strategy. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Blunting the Belarusian blade: The growing threat Belarus poses to European security
As Russia tightens its grip on Belarus, the country is becoming a growing source of military pressure and intimidation against Europe. The EU must respond with a balanced strategy of pressure, conditi...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu is in Armenia today. Following Pashinyan's re-election, the priority should be securing a lasting peace with Azerbaijan by strengthening democracy, boosting connectivity & reducing dependence on Russia, argues @ditrych.bsky.social. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Armenia’s election: A welcome win for Pashinyan, but a difficult road lies ahead
Nikol Pashinyan’s election victory keeps Armenia on a pro-European course despite intense Russian pressure. Yet his failure to secure a constitutional majority leaves the peace process with Azerbaijan...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Last week's Putin-Lukashenka meeting reinforced a clear trend: Minsk is being drawn deeper into Russia's military orbit, creating new risks for the EU & Ukraine. @ditrych.bsky.social explains what the EU can do about it. shorturl.at/H3TjX
shorturl.at
Blunting the Belarusian blade: The growing threat Belarus poses to European security
As Russia tightens its grip on Belarus, the country is becoming a growing source of military pressure and intimidation against Europe. The EU must respond with a balanced strategy of pressure, conditi...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
(1/10) Europe faces its most dangerous security environment in decades. Intelligence assessments suggest Russia may attack an EU Member State in the coming years. As US engagement in Europe becomes less certain, how can Europe strengthen deterrence? 🧵
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The Ukraine Recovery Conference should not only focus on investment but also on getting reconstruction right. That means following development best practices, empowering local actors & ensuring recovery reaches all regions damaged by the war argues @ditrych.bsky.social. shorturl.at/jAm5n
shorturl.at
Back to basics: Empower Ukraine, unpower Russia
As Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine enters its fifth year, the EU should tighten the screws and align its policy instruments within a coherent strategy that contributes to a just and lasting...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Belarus is a brutal authoritarian dictatorship on the EU’s border, actively engaged in hybrid campaigns against the EU, and increasingly a deeply embedded component of Russia’s military machine. What can 🇪🇺 do about it? My new @euiss.bsky.social #Brief: www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Blunting the Belarusian blade: The growing threat Belarus poses to European security
As Russia tightens its grip on Belarus, the country is becoming a growing source of military pressure and intimidation against Europe. The EU must respond with a balanced strategy of pressure, conditi...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Belarus is increasingly becoming part of a single military space with Russia, creating new risks for both the EU and Ukraine. @ditrych.bsky.social on how Europe should respond ➡️ shorturl.at/H3TjX
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Russia's ambitions toward the EU will remain intact. My chapter in new @euiss.bsky.social #Chaillot argues that Russia's strategy has evolved but not transformed: attrition combined with noncontact war, not manoeuvre, define its future way of war. Read the whole report: iss.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Belarus is becoming a platform for Russian military power, coercion & intimidation against the EU. To address this growing threat, Europe needs a strategy combining pressure, conditional incentives & support for democratic forces, argues @ditrych.bsky.social. shorturl.at/H3TjX
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Belarus is a brutal authoritarian dictatorship on the EU’s border, actively engaged in hybrid campaigns against the EU, and increasingly a deeply embedded component of Russia’s military machine. What can 🇪🇺 do about it? My new @euiss.bsky.social #Brief: www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Blunting the Belarusian blade: The growing threat Belarus poses to European security
As Russia tightens its grip on Belarus, the country is becoming a growing source of military pressure and intimidation against Europe. The EU must respond with a balanced strategy of pressure, conditi...
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Russia's ambitions toward the EU will remain intact. My chapter in new @euiss.bsky.social #Chaillot argues that Russia's strategy has evolved but not transformed: attrition combined with noncontact war, not manoeuvre, define its future way of war. Read the whole report: iss.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Europe needs to deter Russia with much less US support. Doing that means investing in 3 foundations: ✅ Resources ✅ Readiness ✅ Resolve Read our 🆕 Chaillot Paper ➡️ shorturl.at/b19GB
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Understanding #FIMI requires moving beyond technological determinism, schematic geopolitics, and facile notions of truth. In my new publication, I offer a conceptual exploration of contestation over truth in today’s digital geopolitics, and what policymakers can do about it.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
… and special thanks for the opportunity to mention our forthcoming @euiss.bsky.social report on how 🇪🇺 can power up Ukraine!
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
“Does the 🇺🇸 have all the cards in AI and warfare?” @francoisf24.bsky.social asked me. “I’d say Ukrainians are holding a few now too,” I replied. Thanks for the invitation @france24.com and a great #Debate @f24debate.france24.com tonight. The whole show: f24.my/Bzfi
f24.my
The Debate - Ukraine back in favour? At G7, Trump threatens return of Russia oil sanctions
Before he left Washington, there were reports Volodymyr Zelenskiy wasn't even on Donald Trump's G7 bilateral meeting list, but in the end, the U-S president took the meeting. And more. In the French…
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
“Does the 🇺🇸 have all the cards in AI and warfare?” @francoisf24.bsky.social asked me. “I’d say Ukrainians are holding a few now too,” I replied. Thanks for the invitation @france24.com and a great #Debate @f24debate.france24.com tonight. The whole show: f24.my/Bzfi
f24.my
The Debate - Ukraine back in favour? At G7, Trump threatens return of Russia oil sanctions
Before he left Washington, there were reports Volodymyr Zelenskiy wasn't even on Donald Trump's G7 bilateral meeting list, but in the end, the U-S president took the meeting. And more. In the French…
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Steven Everts @sbeverts.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Do you work on hybrid threats? Do you have ideas on what the EU can do differently and better? Come and join us! We @euiss.bsky.social are looking for a new Senior Policy Analyst to work on what surely is one of the most dynamic and pressing policy areas in EU security. Details below.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Armenia's election result is good news for the EU. But the road to peace with Azerbaijan remains fragile & EU engagement will be crucial. @ditrych.bsky.social unpacks the outcome and the challenges ahead. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Armenia’s election: A welcome win for Pashinyan, but a difficult road lies ahead
Nikol Pashinyan’s election victory keeps Armenia on a pro-European course despite intense Russian pressure. Yet his failure to secure a constitutional majority leaves the peace process with Azerbaijan...
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Important election in a strategic region for the EU. What does Pashinyan’s solid victory means for Armenia and the South Caucasus where Russia’s waning influence opens new opportunities but the road to a groundbreaking peace remains a rugged one? My analysis: iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Armenia’s election: A welcome win for Pashinyan, but a difficult road lies ahead
Nikol Pashinyan’s election victory keeps Armenia on a pro-European course despite intense Russian pressure. Yet his failure to secure a constitutional majority leaves the peace process with Azerbaijan...
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
My quickfire commentary on Armenian parliamentary elections. Bottom line: A welcome win for Pashinyan and his vision which the EU can support. But without parliamentary supermajority, and with two to three adversarial opposition parties in the parliament, the peace process is under threat. 1/2
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EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
“There is a component of psychological warfare from Russia, of intentionally redirecting the Ukrainian drones, basically hijacking them, to spook the European population to create a more immediate experience of the risk of war." @ditrych.bsky.social on Euronews www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
euronews.com
Von der Leyen vows to fight drones, disinformation campaigns
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that recent drone incursions into EU airspace are “not isolated incidents”, as Baltic leaders and EU officials warn of escalating hybrid threats...
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
@euiss.bsky.social traineeships are a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in European security from either area or domain-specific perspective. The call for applications is now open, so don’t wait too long if this sounds like your kind of challenge.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Russia is not collapsing but is under growing economic & military pressure. Putin will now have to choose between managing decline or escalating the war. Europeans should not fear this scenario but strengthen deterrence & support to Ukraine, argues @ditrych.bsky.social. iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Putin’s troubles: Facing mounting economic and military pressure, the Kremlin may try to muddle through – or escalate
Russia faces rising economic and military strain. The Kremlin may muddle through, or opt to escalate if it senses time is running out. Europe should not be deterred and must strengthen preparedness an...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Berlin & Paris do not see “symbolic membership” as a substitute for Ukraine’s full EU accession. They are rather exploring how Ukraine could benefit from integration before formal membership, says @ditrych.bsky.social. www.dw.com/uk/hto-i-nav...
dw.com
Хто і навіщо пропонує Україні "символічне" членство у ЄС?
ЄС може запропонувати Києву "символічне" членство замість повноправного вступу за пришвидшеною процедурою. Що стоїть за такою ідеєю? DW поспілкувалась з європейськими експертами.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
From Moscow’s military "garage" to a launchpad for future aggression? #Belarus is a growing threat to European security. Yesterday, we convened EU policymakers & experts to assess risks, explore scenarios and define how the EU can best advance its interests.
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
In Russia’s strategic culture, war is a holistic, whole-of-society endeavour. The current ‘special operation’ has not yet reached that stage. But it could. Europeans should not fear this scenario, argues @ditrych.bsky.social. But they should be ready. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Putin’s troubles: Facing mounting economic and military pressure, the Kremlin may try to muddle through – or escalate
Russia faces rising economic and military strain. The Kremlin may muddle through, or opt to escalate if it senses time is running out. Europe should not be deterred and must strengthen preparedness an...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Russia is under growing economic & military pressure. Putin will now have to choose between managing decline or escalating the war. Europeans should not fear this scenario but strengthen deterrence & support to Ukraine, argues @ditrych.bsky.social. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...
iss.europa.eu
Putin’s troubles: Facing mounting economic and military pressure, the Kremlin may try to muddle through – or escalate
Russia faces rising economic and military strain. The Kremlin may muddle through, or opt to escalate if it senses time is running out. Europe should not be deterred and must strengthen preparedness an...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
📅 What does the war in the Middle East mean for Europe? Energy security. Trade. Defence. Alliances. The conflict is already sending shockwaves through Europe’s strategic environment. We break down the implications. Live tomorrow: www.youtube.com/live/wH9ykAe...
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Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Rusko si nad válkou s Íránem může mnout ruce, píšu v souhrnné analýze 🇷🇺 zisků a ztrát pro #11am. Nevypočitatelný Trump je problém i pro Moskvu. Jinak se jí ale v nastalém chaosu povede dobře. 11am.cz/valka-v-iran... Krátké shrnutí ve vlákně:
11am.cz
Íránská krize hraje Rusku do karet díky „správné dávce chaosu“
Oficiální protesty Moskvy maskují skutečnost, že blízkovýchodní konflikt je pro Rusko překvapivě výhodný. Putin se sice začíná obávat Trumpovy nevypočitatelnosti, z dalších tří faktorů války ale Rusk...
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Rusko si nad válkou s Íránem může mnout ruce, píšu v souhrnné analýze 🇷🇺 zisků a ztrát pro #11am. Nevypočitatelný Trump je problém i pro Moskvu. Jinak se jí ale v nastalém chaosu povede dobře. 11am.cz/valka-v-iran... Krátké shrnutí ve vlákně:
11am.cz
Íránská krize hraje Rusku do karet díky „správné dávce chaosu“
Oficiální protesty Moskvy maskují skutečnost, že blízkovýchodní konflikt je pro Rusko překvapivě výhodný. Putin se sice začíná obávat Trumpovy nevypočitatelnosti, z dalších tří faktorů války ale Rusk...
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EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
#China is often seen as an unstoppable economic power. But Beijing is also increasingly fragile. New Chaillot Paper by @aligarciaherrero.bsky.social & @ruehlig.bsky.social argues the EU has more leverage than it thinks - and should use it strategically ➡️ ow.ly/1p0650Yq7EC
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
‘While Russia’s theatrical outrage at breaking international law is surely staged, it may not be entirely insincere. Moscow would like U.S. power to be more constrained,’ I write in my short contribution to this snapshot. Overall, if #Urals oil regains competitiveness, 🇷🇺 looks at a net benefit.
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
‘While Russia’s theatrical outrage at breaking international law is surely staged, it may not be entirely insincere. Moscow would like U.S. power to be more constrained,’ I write in my short contribution to this snapshot. Overall, if #Urals oil regains competitiveness, 🇷🇺 looks at a net benefit.
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EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Against Putin’s imperial ambitions, Europe’s core interest is clear: stop Russia in Ukraine and deter further aggression. To achieve this, Europeans must continue to empower Ukraine & unpower Russia, writes @ditrych.bsky.social. ow.ly/CSUI50YmkNk
ow.ly
Back to basics: Empower Ukraine, unpower Russia
As Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine enters its fifth year, the EU should tighten the screws and align its policy instruments within a coherent strategy that contributes to a just and lasting...
097
Reposted by Ondrej Ditrych
Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Europeans must continue to empower Ukraine, #unpower Russia’s war machine, and engage more forcefully in diplomacy to shape a ceasefire that effectively constrains Russia. A free and independent Ukraine needs Europe on its side — and a free and independent Europe needs Ukraine on its side, too.
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Ondrej Ditrych @ditrych.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Europeans must continue to empower Ukraine, #unpower Russia’s war machine, and engage more forcefully in diplomacy to shape a ceasefire that effectively constrains Russia. A free and independent Ukraine needs Europe on its side — and a free and independent Europe needs Ukraine on its side, too.
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