Bulletin From The Borderlands
Bulletin From The Borderlands
Weekly Round Up: Europe
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Regional Wrap-Up: Europe
Desk Chief - Meridian News
Regional FlashpointsÂ
Farmers across Europe continue protesting cheap agricult imports from other nations and other red tape associated with new climate regulations. In Belgium, over 900 tractors clogged the streets of Brussels while protestors threw eggs, flares, and sprayed police with liquid manure to express their frustration.
Last week, the U.S. government imposed approximately 600 new sanctions on Russia on the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, and following Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death. The European Union also imposed new sanctions on Russia.
Notable Regional Updates
Belarus’ parliamentary elections finished today, the catch? Only candidates who are loyal to 30-year President Alexander Lukashenko were allowed to run. Lukashenko announced his intent to run for another five year term as well.Â
Ukrainian President Zelinskiy announced that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the war, and is expecting another offensive from Russia in late Spring or early summer.
Looking Forward/ImplicationsÂ
Western support for Ukraine has been dwindling in recent months, coming down from all time highs. Announcing the expectation of a summer offensive from Russia, and sharing out casualties (a figure that has been consistently reported by Ukraine and Russia alike) builds a compelling case that Ukraine needs more support, and needs it now, to keep fighting the war effectively.Â
Farmers have been protesting for weeks across the E.U. As these demonstrations drag on, and with the European Parliament elections approaching, the farmer’s complaints have an opportunity to make a large impact on how the E.U. addresses agricultural climate policies and imports going forward.
Belarus is run by an authoritarian government, and backed by Russian support. Lukashenko has consistently supported Putin, and his war in Ukraine, so it’s no surprise that elections aren’t exactly democratic. Lukashenko will most likely retain power going forward, and continue serving as a valuable asset to Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on.
Most of the sanctions imposed on Russia are directly related to their war effort. Things like financial institutions, government agencies, manufacturers, and electronic companies that are believed to be directly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine - many of them are based outside of Russia as well. Other financial and travel restrictions are being worked on and imposed on Russian authorities. While the effects of sanctions like these are rarely felt in the immediate, they can have a lasting and draining impact if they work as intended.
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