Last time we talked to David Kramer in November 2007. Then he was a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus affairs, and later an Assistant Secretary of State. READ MORE

Russia has an ongoing fear of being encircled and slowly pushed back by the West, making it difficult for other nations to have valuable relations with Moscow. Should the West even pursue a partnership with such a paranoid regime, even though the alternative is very unpleasant? READ MORE

Lithuanian press review. READ MORE

With memories of this winter's gas price row between Russia and Ukraine still fresh, the Czech and Slovak governments are taking another look at the promise of nuclear power. When Slovakia joined the European Union five years ago, one of the terms of accession was that it shut down a Soviet-era nuclear plant by 2008. READ MORE

Incumbent Iranian President Mahmound Ahmadinejad has resoundingly won a hotly-contested election but his rival Mousavi has alleged widespread irregularities during Friday's polls. READ MORE

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on a visit to Moscow urged Russian leaders not to miss an opportunity for improved ties with the US and a new deal on global nuclear disarmament. READ MORE

On may the 15th German Bundestag adopted a Resolution on the South Caucasus situation. This document stipulates for the Government definite estimating political and legal guides of political course towards the region. READ MORE

E.ON Ruhrgas executive Jochen Weise claimed the former Eastern Bloc countries hardest hit by January's gas crisis were like "junkies", adding that nations dependent on Russia for their gas supply "had to do their homework". READ MORE

On the 10th of June the European Commission presented its proposal for an EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. READ MORE

Russia Loses the Region For Good. READ MORE