New Eurasian Strategies Centre (NEST Centre)

Europe’s response to Russia’s war against Ukraine will shape its own security and Russia’s future for years to come. On 14 October, Zentrum Liberale Moderne ‘Russia and the West’ expert conference in Berlin brought together 85 policymakers, experts and diplomats from 15 European countries and Canada, including Russian experts in exile. The conference was held in cooperation with NEST Centre. Discussions examined the pressures on Russia’s wartime economy and political system, Europe’s leverage to help end the war, and the choices that will define its long-term strategy towards Russia. Ksenia Luchenko, Nikolai Petrov, John Lough, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Anastasia Popova represented NEST. Thank you to our partners at LibMod and everyone who joined us for a day of substantive discussion on questions central to Europe’s future.

What does the Kremlin actually expect from the next phase of the war? Speaking to Newsweek, NEST Centre Senior Research Fellow Alexander Morozov argues that Moscow is preparing for a prolonged conflict, even as it seeks to exploit tensions between Washington, Kyiv and Europe. He also examines how the Kremlin is using Trump’s pressure on Zelensky to weaken Western unity and improve Russia’s position without changing its own war aims. Read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/eigrczj7

Interested in developing your own research on the Russian economy? Applications remain open for NEST Centre’s Early-Career Economic Analyst role. This remote, part-time position offers scope to pursue your own research questions, from sanctions and public spending to trade, investment and structural change, while contributing to our wider analytical work. We’re looking for a strong foundation in economics, confidence working independently with data, and the ability to turn findings into clear, policy-relevant analysis. Previous publications are welcome but are not required. Apply by 18 November 2026 with a CV and a research proposal of up to three pages. Full details and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/eNgCA_Yn

Russia’s biggest government reshuffle since 2024 makes it harder for ministers to secure funding for economic development, as financing the war takes priority. NEST Centre's latest briefing note examines the shift towards austerity, with commentary from NEST Centre’s Sergey Aleksashenko and Nikolai Petrov → https://lnkd.in/eQjeSnNN

What could happen between Russia and Iran after the US midterm elections? In NEST Centre's latest Midweek Briefing, Nicole Grajewski examines Moscow's expectations of further US military action against Iran and why Russia may be increasingly confident in Tehran's ability to withstand another escalation. Speaking with NEST Centre's John Lough, she also explores how the conflict could affect Russia's strategic interests, its relations with Washington and the Gulf states, and the future of its partnership with Iran. Watch the full discussion → https://lnkd.in/eYNyCRPi

American peace proposals for Ukraine, hybrid warfare in Europe, and a possible meeting between Putin, Trump, and Xi: what to watch this week, from NEST Centre's experts. Subscribe to NEST Centre Pulse to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/eEGaTNSj

Russia has carried out its biggest government reshuffle since 2024. The changes weaken Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s position and make it harder for ministers to secure funding for economic development schemes. The re-organised government’s overriding priority now is to cut spending across the board in order to finance the war. Read NEST Centre's new briefing note: https://lnkd.in/eQjeSnNN

How reliant is Ukraine still on US support, and how much of the gap could Europe realistically fill? John Lough spoke to CNN for its latest analysis of Ukraine’s continued dependence on US military and technological support, and what growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv could mean for Europe and for Moscow. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ej_s6e9C

What could a weakened Donald Trump mean for Ukraine after the US midterms? Speaking to Newsweek, NEST Centre’s John Lough examines the risks for Kyiv if Trump emerges from the elections under greater political pressure, while remaining focused on securing a deal with Moscow. Read the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/eigrczj7

What does Washington’s increasingly conciliatory approach to Moscow mean for Ukraine? Speaking to CNN, NEST Centre’s John Lough responded to US envoy Steve Witkoff’s description of Vladimir Putin as a ‘humanitarian’ and discussed the Trump administration’s broader approach to negotiations with Russia.