Hybrid CoE Paper 20: Ukraine’s position in Russia’s strategic thinking: Domestic, regional and international order

This Hybrid CoE Working Paper examines Ukraine’s role in Russia’s strategic thinking. Based on a careful analysis of Putin’s speeches and Russia’s strategic documents, the paper deciphers the logic behind the Kremlin’s policy towards Ukraine and describes several future scenarios that Russia has envisaged for the country. The result is a valuable resource that helps policymakers and experts better understand Russia’s overarching strategy towards Ukraine and the West, as well as its hybrid threat operations and tactics. Based on these insights, the paper formulates key recommendations to guide Western policies in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.