Policy Press

Russia’s Strategy in Ukraine

Modern Suzerainty, Borders and International Law

By Rilka Dragneva-Lewers, Kataryna Wolczuk and Roman Wolczuk

Published

Jul 1, 2025

Page count

192 pages

ISBN

978-1529242805

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Rilka Dragneva-Lewers is Professor of International Legal Studies at the University of Birmingham.

Kataryna Wolczuk is Professor of East European Politics at the University of Birmingham and Associate Fellow in Russia and Eurasian Programme at Chatham House.

Roman Wolczuk is an independent analyst, commentator and author.

1. Introduction

2. Russia’s View on Power and Sovereignty: A Suzerainty Paradigm

3. Russia’s Legal Exceptionalism in the ‘near abroad’: International Law between Etiquette and Control

4. Departing the USSR: Legacies and Pathways

5. The Division of Strategic Assets: the Black Sea Fleet and its Base

6. Borders and Recognition

7. The Pursuit of Integration

8. Playing the Economic Card: Trade and Energy

9. The Role of the West

10. Conclusion