Timothy Ash

UK Economist, covering Emerging Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Timothy Ash

What Putin won and what he lost escalating on Ukrainian borders

Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved to escalate tensions with Ukraine, putting a huge and unprecedented Russian military force on its western border while also launching a concerted “coercive” diplomatic effort sketching out new red lines for NATO.

25 January 2022, 11:04 PM 318

Biden lets the cat out of the bag

Zelensky yesterday was trying to calm the nation advising that war is not going to happen as he is working flat out on diplomacy. His message of calm and reassurance was totally understandable – and in the national interest, given the threat. 

20 January 2022, 06:45 PM 354

Putin is preparing for war

I have certainly put myself out there as having the most hawkish view on Russia (compared to the street consensus), but I still find it difficult to see anything but escalation by Russia with Ukraine from the current postures. 

17 January 2022, 04:30 PM 251