Mission statement Window to Russia [RaamopRusland]

Little is left of the hope for harmonious cooperation between Russia and the West. Euphoria about the end of the Cold War, a quarter of a century ago, has been replaced by disappointment and lack of interest.

We have taken our eye off Russia. This explains why the European Union was caught completely off guard when Russian president Vladimir Putin deemed the Association Agreement with Ukraine unacceptable. Pro-European protests in Kiev led to president Yanukovych fleeing the country. Russia responded by annexing Crimea and supporting a war in the Donbass region.

Europe and Russia have diametrically opposite views about cause and effect of the conflict over Ukraine. These competing interpretations lead to confusion and growing mistrust, not only in light of the conflict on Ukraine, but also of Russia’s unexpected involvement in the war in Syria and other international affairs.

All the more reason to ramp up the thought, analysis and debate about East-West relations.

'Window to Russia' collects all relevant information needed to understand the current situation. Our aim is to reinvigorate the debate and provide a forum for analyses and expertise. Apart from Dutch and European viewpoints, this platform will give ample room to Russian and Ukrainian voices. Our platform also bundles the expertise available at Dutch universities and institutions, to give policy makers, politicians, journalists, entrepreneurs and the public easy access to essential information about Russia and relations between East and West in Europe.

'Window to Russia' aims to separate fact from fiction and encourage dialogue.

Board

Lo Casteleijn
Menno Hurenkamp
Lily Sprangers

Editorial board

Hella Rottenberg
Hubert Smeets
Laura Starink