Oleg Ignatov Senior Analyst, Russia Please submit all media inquiries to media@crisisgroup.org or call +32 (0) 2 536 00 71 Crisis Group Role As Crisis Group’s Senior Analyst for Russia, Oleg Ignatov focuses on the country’s domestic affairs as well as Moscow’s role in conflicts around the world. Professional Background Oleg has previously worked as a leading expert at the Center for Current Policy in Moscow, as a political consultant, and in various roles at the United Russia party. He also holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Moscow State University. He specialises in Russia's foreign and domestic policy, Russian elites, Russian policy and conflicts in the post-Soviet space, and Russian-Ukrainian relations. Languages Russian English Publications Ukraine at a Crossroads: Scenarios for the Reintegration of Donbas, Carnegie Moscow Center (March 2018) In The News 23 Feb 2022 By abandoning the Minsk agreements, Russia has deprived itself of one avenue of potential long-term political leverage over Ukraine and will now be seeking another one. Reuters Oleg Ignatov Senior Analyst, Russia 28 Jan 2022 To think that Putin is going to wage a full-scale war, which will cut Russia off from the international stage, which will hit Russia’s society and economy – it’s against the common understanding of Putin. The Globe and Mail Oleg Ignatov Senior Analyst, Russia 14 Jan 2022 Russia wants to see Ukraine not as a neutral country, but more like a friendly country. Al Jazeera Oleg Ignatov Senior Analyst, Russia 24 Oct 2021 Now Russia can argue that Western policies failed in Libya, Syria and now Afghanistan so badly that Russia's approach has actually been correct all along. CNN Oleg Ignatov Senior Analyst, Russia 17 Jun 2021 This is exactly what the Kremlin wants. To talk to the US as equals and in such a way that the other side does not demand a change of position as a condition of dialogue. CNN Oleg Ignatov Senior Analyst, Russia Latest Updates Podcast / Europe & Central Asia 3 December 2021 Will Russia Invade Ukraine? This week on Hold Your Fire! Richard Atwood is joined by Crisis Group experts Olga Oliker and Oleg Ignatov to look at what Russia hopes to achieve with its build-up of troops on the Ukrainian border. Q&A / Europe & Central Asia 22 November 2021 Behind the Frictions at the Belarus-Poland Border Thousands of people looking to enter the European Union have massed at the Belarusian frontier with Poland. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Oleg Ignatov explains how the events relate to tensions between Belarus and its ally, Russia, on one side, and Western governments on the other. Commentary / Asia 26 August 2021 With the Taliban Back in Kabul, Regional Powers Watch and Wait The Taliban’s return to power raises questions not only about how the movement will use its newfound authority but also about what Afghanistan’s neighbours will do in response. Crisis Group experts offer a 360-degree view of these countries’ initial reactions and what is behind them.