Geopolitical Landscape & International Relations - The US is resuming arms shipments to Ukraine, signaling continued involvement in the conflict [1] - A special tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine has been launched by Ukraine and the Council of Europe, marking a significant step in international law [2] - The tribunal aims to prosecute leaders, like Vladimir Putin, for launching or planning the war, filling a gap in international criminal law [3][4] - International support and solidarity with Russian citizens who oppose the dictatorship are crucial for fostering democracy in Russia [26][29] - Appeasement of aggressors like Putin leads to more wars and suffering, highlighting the need for a firm stance from the international community [28][29] Political & Human Rights - Russian opposition politician Vladimir Karamsa, a vocal critic of Putin, was imprisoned and later released in a prisoner exchange, demonstrating the risks faced by dissidents [5][7] - Karamsa argues that accountability for past crimes is essential for Russia's future democratic transition, drawing lessons from the failure of the 1990s [9] - Lack of accountability for crimes committed by the Soviet regime led to the rise of Putin and the current state of affairs, emphasizing the importance of justice [16][17] - The murders of Boris Neov and Alexi, leaders of the Russian Democratic opposition, highlight the severity of the regime's actions against dissent [18] Future of Russia - Major political change in Russia can happen swiftly and unexpectedly, drawing parallels with the collapse of the Tsarist and communist regimes [20] - A democratic Russia is essential for guaranteeing peace, stability, and security in Europe and the world [23][29]