Eastern-Central Europe
New Wave of Mobilization and Conscripting Prisoners in Russia
On Oct. 2 Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows criminals to join the army in return for immunity. According to independent Russian outlet Istories, the government wants to conscript 40 percent of 60,000 prisoners with pre-trial detention status.
Moldova's 2024 Election: A Crossroads for European Integration
A significant development in the lead-up to the Moldovan presidential election occurred on Sept. 24, when the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) released its list of approved candidates. The agency notably did not register Igor Munteanu, one of the main political opponents of incumbent President Maia Sandu.
Russian Drone Strikes Near NATO: Prelude to World War 3 or Isolated Incidents?
On Sept. 8, a Russian-operated Shahed-type drone crashed in Latvia's Rezekne region. The drone had entered Latvian airspace from Belarus and was tracked by air defense systems. While there was no immediate harm, Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds emphasised this incursion's seriousness, as any violation of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member's airspace could have broad security ramifications.