Annexation is defined as the forcible and illegal acquisition of territory by one State at the expense of another. The prohibition of annexation, in part or in full of a territory, is accepted as a fundamental principle of customary international law, for which no exception or derogation is permitted. In addition to the use of force and annexation being illegal and absolutely prohibited under international law, the resulting consequences also violate other peremptory international norms, like the right to self-determination.

Countries that have officially recognized Crimea as Russian

1. Russia
2. Syria
3. Afghanistan
4. Cuba
5. Venezuela
6. North Korea
7. Sudan

De Facto Recognition

Source: BertelsmannStiftung

The US and China are locked in an ongoing conflict. Europe is crushed between the two.

In light of Europe’s weakened state, the US and China are the world’s sole superpowers and thus shape global developments. Each bloc views the other as an adversary. American democracy is in crisis, as is China’s one-party dictatorship.

Source: BertelsmannStiftung

China and the US recognize the added value of working closely together and dominating the world. Europe plays an important supporting role.

Source: BertelsmannStiftung

The West joins forces. The US, Europe, and like-minded partners form a counterweight to China’s sphere of influence.

The Western democracies (the US, EU, and their partners) confront an authoritarian power bloc led by China’s one-party state. The spheres of influence of both major blocs are clearly delineated. The US is the leading power in the West; the EU is the junior partner.

Source: BertelsmannStiftung

The EU asserts itself next to the US and China as the world’s third major bloc. Other blocs are possible, for example, under Russia’s leadership.

This scenario assumes that the world is divided into multiple dominant blocs. And while these power centers interact with each other, they are clearly demarcated from each other: The democracies in the US and Europe face off against autocratic China, where the Communist Party has a monopoly on power.

A new Cold War in Europe is basically unavoidable.

Russia is using every chance to undermine Ukrainian culture and the Ukrainian language in the territories it occupies. The Kremlin intends to unite Ukraine with Russia by literally destroying the Ukrainian language, nation, culture and history. Ultimately, Russia’s aim is to promote the idea that the Ukrainian nation and its language are artificial constructions, and that being under Russian control is the only destiny for Ukraine.

​​Allianz: Margot Jilet Vesentini heads to Allianz as a senior manager EU affairs, via Insurance Europe.

AnimalhealthEurope: AnimalhealthEurope has elected a new president for a partial term: Rob Kelly — SVP and Head of Europe, Russia, North Africa and Middle East region for MSD Animal Health. Kelly succeeds the retiring Hans Dittrich in both role, he’ll finish out the second half of Dittrich’s two-year term as president.

The Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.