This overview of articles was published today by a Dutch outlet (n Dutch); I figured it would be useful to everyone to collect recommendations here, instead of posting a dozen similar articles. I've taken the liberty of summarizing the reasons they gave for recommending these reads. (No, I haven't read most of them yet.)
The Reson Putin Would Risk War - by Anne Appelbaum. On what this conflict is about: weakening democracy.
Kyiv's ancient normality - by Timothy Snyder. A counter to Putin's historical fiction; what is Ukraine's history?
How Putin Plays with the Law - Masha Lipman. A 2014 piece by The New Yorker on how Putin creatively used existing legislation during the Crimea annexation.
Why is Ukraine the West's Fault? - John Mearsheimer. Six year old lecture on how Europe and NATO's eastward actions cause Russia to feel threatened and defensive ever more.
Can Europe survive without Russian gas? - Bruegel think tank. On the role and impact of Russia's gas supplies to the EU.
Europe faces sanctions nightmare of paying for Putin’s war - Politico. It's not just gas, coal and oil dependancy is also a problem, as this piece explains.
Gerhard Schröder Casts A Long Shadow over Berlin's Foreign Policy - Der Spiegel. On Germany's role in this, in particular that of former chancellor Schroder.
Why U.S. Solders Won't Come to Ukraine's Rescue - NYT's The Daily. TL:DL; because Ukraine isn't important for the U.S., and because they want to prevent another world war.
Ukraine: The Food Factor - Politico. On Ukraine's vital role in the EU agricultural market - it is the 4th largest source of food for the EU.
Taiwan Is Not Ukraine: Stop Linking Their Fates Together - Kharis Templemann. On the broader geopolitical context, and what this war (doesn't) mean for Taiwan.
What if Russia Wins? - Foreign Affairs. On what it means for Russia to win this conflict; is it enough to scare the rest of Eastern Europe?
Inside the Kremlin's Hall of Mirrors - The Guardian. A 2015 deep dive into Russia's information warfare
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