Issue 4/2026: Fragility of peace

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Beneath the daily headlines lies a deeper question, one that the West has faced before and may soon face again: what should its relationship with Russia look like when the guns eventually fall silent? This issue of New Eastern Europe explores that question. Not because peace is at hand, but because history suggests that the moment after a war can be consequential. The temptation grows to treat peace as a destination rather than a process.

After years of destruction, societies long for normality and governments seek predictability. Yet the path back to business as usual can sometimes become a road back to old illusions. Thus, in whatever form peace comes, Europe cannot be naïve in ignoring Russia’s past behaviour and recognize how fragile any peace may prove to be, as depicted on the cover of this issue.

In this issue, our contributors examine this dilemma from different angles. Alexandra Polivanova argues that a durable peace cannot be built merely on signatures and ceasefires; it requires profound changes within Russia itself. Callum Fraser turns the lens towards Europe, suggesting that the central challenge is not designing the perfect Russia policy, but cultivating the civic resilience needed to sustain it. Nina Rozhanovskaya warns against allowing pragmatism to eclipse principle. James C. Pearce, meanwhile, questions expectations of imminent change from within Russia, urging readers to confront realities rather than hopes. A series of expert inputs further reflects on the dilemma Europe faces and offers guidance should a ceasefire ever be agreed.

Beyond our main theme, this issue examines another transition unfolding closer to home. With the end of the Viktor Orbán era in Hungary, many are looking towards Budapest with renewed optimism. Yet democratic renewal, like democratic decline, is rarely instantaneous. As the new prime minister and his Tisza party consolidate significant authority, hope must be accompanied by vigilance.

CONTENTS

Europe’s Russian dilemma

For a sustainable peace, Russia must fundamentally change An interview with Alexandra Polivanova
Britain, Russia, and Europe’s awareness problem Callum Fraser
The price of normalizing Russia Nina Rozhanovskaya
There will not be another Russian revolution James C. Pearce

Expert input: Does Europe need a Russia policy?
It is not the time to talk to Russia Marek Menkiszak
Deter, start small and monitor domestic policy Susan Stewart
Europe cannot build a Russia policy on a ceasefire alone Stefan Ingvarsson
Europe’s clavo ardiendo non-strategy Nicolás de Pedro
Engagement without illusions Tiziano Marino

The other Russia that is not Beka Iromashvili
Moscow’s latest propaganda myth Tomasz Kamusella
Russia’s imprisoned mothers Eilish Hart
Navigating the narrowing space for lawful dissent in Russia Veronica Snoj

Essays and analysis

A two-way road to Ukraine’s EU integration Valerii Pekar and Yuliya Shtaltovna
How Ukraine is reshaping NATO Kseniya Sotnikova
Russia struggling for influence in the South Caucasus Megi Benia
Georgia’s government takes on the diaspora Nino Chanadiri
A storm over Lithuania Nikodem Szczygłowski
Hungary’s foreign policy post-Orbán Benjámin Lux
Hungary’s new momentum for democratic renewal Gábor Énekes
The left bench in Hungary is empty Gábor Harangozó

Stories and ideas

Calls to save the Ohrid region grow in North Macedonia Miki Trajkovski
A shared landscape of post-Soviet housing Katerina Kouzmitcheva (print/PDF edition only)
A father’s last recordings before genocide JP O’Malley 

Interviews

We must learn to live with war An interview with Jacek Siewiera

Art, culture and society

The battle for Ukrainian identity Zach Rogers

History and memory

Prometheism, post-Russia, and the future of policy in Eurasia Kacper Grass