Russia and Eastern Europe Report - May 2025

Welcome to the Russia and Eastern Europe Report  by Patrick Rene Haasler, the latest initiative from the Geopolitics Desk of the Europinion Institute for Research.

This report explores the escalating geopolitical and security dynamics in Europe as of May 2025, with a focus on the intensifying Russia-Ukraine conflict and its broader regional implications. It examines Ukraine’s symbolic drone strikes ahead of Russia’s Victory Day, Russia’s massive retaliatory aerial assaults, and the start of tentative U.S.-Russia ceasefire negotiations, highlighting the fragile prospects for peace. The report also analyzes the formation of opposing military coalitions in Southeastern Europe surrounding the Republika Srpska dispute, the shifting political landscape following presidential elections in Romania and Poland, and growing far-right unrest. Additionally, it explores Hungary’s military posturing along the Ukrainian border and Germany’s warnings about intensified Russian cyberattacks, underscoring the hybrid nature of modern conflict and the expanding reach of Russian influence operations across Europe.

Author: Patrick Rene Haasler

Editor: Harine Raaj, Elmira Amiraslanova and Dragos Brotac