Publication

This commentary discusses Russia’s interpretation of the 2013-2014 crisis in Ukraine and its implications for international efforts to resolve the situation. The author first explains the three elements she thinks make up Russia's reading of the upheaval in Ukraine and then points out how they inform Russia's justification for its annexation of Crimea. Following this, she identifies what she thinks are the main motives, objectives and messages discernible in Russia's response to the situation in Ukraine. She ends the piece by arguing that the EU should take account of Russia’s internal narrative when responding to Ukraine’s crisis and offers recommendations for its Russia policy.