Geopolitcal Monitor: "Istanbul 2.0? Kazakhstan Steps into the Ukraine War Diplomatic Arena"

 

 

"Istanbul 2.0? Kazakhstan Steps into the Ukraine War Diplomatic Arena"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Geopolitical Monitor

Opinion

7 August, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/istanbul-2-0-kazakhstan-steps-into-the-ukraine-war-diplomatic-arena/ 

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has no end in sight, as military operations by both sides continue deep in enemy territory. The war may have become a new textbook definition of intractable conflict. Since first breaking out in February 2022, several diplomatic attempts have been rolled out to bring a peaceful resolution, without success.

Now Kazakhstan is throwing its proverbial hat into the ring.

E-International Relations: "Opinion – Moldova: Between Ambitious Plans and Present-Day Challenges"

 

 

 

"Moldova: Between Ambitious Plans and Present-Day Challenges"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

8 May 2026

Published: https://www.e-ir.info/2026/05/08/opinion-moldova-between-ambitious-plans-and-present-day-challenges/ 

 Resolving the Republic of Moldova’s separatist issue and joining the European Union are the primary objectives of President Maia Sandu and her administration. Yet, the war between Russia and Ukraine is a constant reminder for Chisinau that there are serious, ever-present day threats to the country’s stability. Russian drones, water pollution, and energy security are daily threats and concerns for the Moldovan population and government; these challenges could also delay Moldova’s preparations for European Union membership. While Moldova has not become a target of the hostilities, incidents continue to occur. Specifically, suspected Russian uncrewed aerial systems (UAS, commonly known as drones) and missiles have been detected flying through Moldovan airspace, while some drones have crashed on Moldovan territory – a reminder that the frontlines of the war are not far away.

Global Encyclodia of Territorial Rights: "Moldova / #Transnistria “ #FrozenConflict” and Russia's Invasion of Ukraine "

"Moldova/Transnistria “Frozen Conflict” and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Global Encyclopedia of Territorial Rights

(Springer Nature) 

 14 April, 2026

Published: https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-68846-6_868-1

▶️ While initiatives to resolve the “frozen conflict” have not been successful, developments across the region have put this conflict at the forefront of European geopolitics.

▶️ Specifically, the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has made Moldova and separatist Transnistria (which borders Ukraine) the recipients of a new wave of international attention.

▶️ Ultimately, the relationship between Chisinau and Tiraspol has not changed, or at least improved, since the war commenced, though the 2025 gas crisis has changed the power-dynamics between the two sides, on Chisinau’s favor.

▶️ Communication between the two sides of the Dniester River continues, but it is unlikely that any breakthrough in negotiations will occur at this time.

Diplomatic Courier: "Moldova’s EU ambitions rest on Sandu’s shoulders"

 

"Moldova’s EU ambitions rest on Sandu’s shoulders"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Diplomatic Courier

17 June 2024

Originally published: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/moldovas-eu-ambitions-rest-sandus-shoulders

Moldova’s EU membership will ideally end the Moldovan identity and reunification debate. But the road to get there is a complicated one, writes Wilder Alejandro Sanchez.

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Shephard Media: "Quantum Systems unveils new Reliant UAS"

 

"Quantum Systems unveils new Reliant UAS"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Air Warfare

Shephard Media

8 May, 2024

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/quantum-systems-unveils-new-reliant-uas/

As well as the new UAS, Quantum Systems has outlined its plans to improve the capabilities of its existing platforms.

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The Interpreter: "The message Japan sends by backing Ukraine"

 

"The message Japan sends by backing Ukraine"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom

The Interpreter

Lowy Institute

25 March 2024

Originally published: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/message-japan-sends-backing-ukraine 

An evolving foreign and defence policy is on display.

Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Japan has emerged as a steadfast supporter of Ukraine. The notoriously immigration-resistant Japan has so far accepted 2,500 Ukrainian refugees. In recognition that Ukraine will face a daunting reconstruction process, Japanese and Ukrainian government and business officials gathered for the “Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction” in February this year. As part of the gathering, 56 cooperation agreements were signed to develop infrastructure, target critical economic sectors for growth, and expand overall trade.

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Shephard Media: "Dedrone supplies CUAS systems to Ukraine and increases signal library"

 

 "Dedrone supplies CUAS systems to Ukraine and increases signal library"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Uncrewed Vehicles

Shephard Media

20 March, 2024

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/dedrone-supplies-cuas-systems-to-ukraine-and-increases-signal-library/

Dedrone has announced a strategic expansion via 16 new governmental contracts as the US-based CUAS company continued to develop its drone countermeasure technologies.

Dedrone has announced the “closing of 16 new governmental contracts with global customers” in 2023, among which Ukraine received DroneDefender jammer rifles and “hundreds” of DedronePortable kits, a simplified version of the DedroneTactical counter-UAS system.

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NE Global: Moldova’s Maia Sandu is the ‘Iron Lady’ of Eastern Europe

 

"Moldova’s Maia Sandu is the ‘Iron Lady’ of Eastern Europe"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global

15 September, 2023

Originally published: https://www.neglobal.eu/moldovas-maia-sandu-is-the-iron-lady-of-eastern-europe/

As the war in Ukraine passes the year-and-a-half milestone, a critical ally for Kyiv and Washington is the tiny nation of the Republic of Moldova, led by President Maia Sandu. Strong leadership is often hard to find during challenging and tense geopolitical moments.

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IPD: Kazakhstan isn’t ‘Russophobic’ it Just Doesn’t Support Putin’s Stupid War

 

"Kazakhstan isn’t ‘Russophobic’ it Just Doesn’t Support Putin’s Stupid War"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Policy Digest

23 January, 2023

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/kazakhstan-isnt-russophobic-it-just-doesn-t-support-putin-s-stupid-war/

As the war in Ukraine continues its winter phase, the conflict’s first anniversary is now on the horizon. Sadly, it does not appear that peace is likely anytime soon. Even more, there are concerns that the Kremlin could foresee another similar operation against another neighboring country based on exaggerations and outright lies. Kazakhstan is a clear example of this potentially catastrophic future.

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Interview: Would Kazakhstan be next, if Russia had been successful in Ukraine?

 

"Would Kazakhstan be next, if Russia had been successful in Ukraine?"

By: Andre Matisak

The Global Agora

19 January

Originally published

Interview: " Kazachstan, Moldavsko, Azerbajdžan... Kto by bol na rade, keby Rusko ovládlo Ukrajinu? "

 

"Kazachstan, Moldavsko, Azerbajdžan... Kto by bol na rade, keby Rusko ovládlo Ukrajinu"

By Andrej Matisak

Pravda (Slovakia) 

18 January, 2023

Originally published: https://spravy.pravda.sk/svet/clanok/653940-kazachstan-moldavsko-azerbajdzan-kto-by-bol-na-rade-keby-rusko-ovladlo-ukrajinu/

"Rusko nemá žiadny dôvod na to, aby napadlo Kazachstan. Krajina neurobila nič, za čo by si takpovediac zaslúžila takýto útok, ale Kremeľ to môže vidieť inak,“ povedal pre Pravdu Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, expert na postsovietsky priestor a šéf washingtonskej konzultačnej firmy Second Floor Strategies.

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E-IR "Energy Security: Moldova’s Quest for New Suppliers"

 

"Energy Security: Moldova’s Quest for New Suppliers"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

e-International Relations

12 December, 2022

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2022/12/12/opinion-energy-security-moldovas-quest-for-new-suppliers/

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has conducted various international visits and hosted leaders from multiple states in recent months. Due to the war in Ukraine and tense relations with Moscow, Chisinau is focused on reducing its dependency on Russian gas while simultaneously securing alternative suppliers. Hence, we are witnessing the creation of Moldova’s new energy security strategy based on energy diplomacy.

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Geopolitical Monitor: Moldova: Foreign Successes, Domestic Challenges

 

"Moldova: Foreign Successes, Domestic Challenges"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

19 October 2022

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/moldova-foreign-successes-domestic-challenges/

Since the war in Ukraine commenced, the Republic of Moldova has received significant international attention and praise. President Maia Sandu can boast several victories, including obtaining the highly-covered candidate status from the European Union. Unfortunately, domestically the situation remains complicated and could affect the future of the country’s pro-European and pro-Ukraine policies. The Ukraine-bound Russian missiles that recently crossed Moldovan airspace demonstrate that Moldova’s role is crucial to the war.

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The National Interest: The War in Ukraine Has Revealed an Independent Kazakhstan

 

"The War in Ukraine Has Revealed an Independent Kazakhstan"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Buzz

The National Interest

09 October, 2022

Originally published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/war-ukraine-has-revealed-independent-kazakhstan-205253

Astana is undergoing a diplomatic and political shift amid the Russo-Ukrainian War, and observers should keep a close eye on its balancing act.

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Geopolitical Monitor: "GUAM 2.0: Can Free Trade Revive the Forgotten Regional Bloc?"

 

"GUAM 2.0: Can Free Trade Revive the Forgotten Regional Bloc?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Situational Report

Geopolitical Monitor

28 September 2022

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/guam-2-0-can-free-trade-revive-the-forgotten-regional-bloc/

There were many, many, many speeches, announcements, meetings, side meetings, and agreements during the recent UN General Assembly (UNGA). In this cacophony of information, which addresses just about every issue happening across the globe, it is easy for one announcement to get lost. That is precisely the case of a protocol signed in New York by the foreign affairs ministers of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova (GUAM) to create a free trade zone. With the new deal, GUAM, a long-dormant regional grouping, may get a second life.

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The Diploma: " Kazakhstan Continues to Break Ranks With Russia"

 

 

"Kazakhstan Continues to Break Ranks With Russia" 

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

22 September 2022

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/kazakhstan-continues-to-break-ranks-with-russia/

The not-so-subtle criticism of the Russian government regarding Ukraine in Kazakh President Tokayev’s UNGA speech should not be overlooked.

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Shephard Media: "Moldova unveils meagre defence budget growth amid lingering Russian threat"

 

"Moldova unveils meagre defence budget growth amid lingering Russian threat"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Defence Notes

Shephard Media

1 September 2022

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/moldova-unveils-meagre-defence-budget-growth-amid-lingering-russian-threat/

Despite the latest incremental increase to its defence budget and the danger of the war in Ukraine spilling over into Transnistria, funding remains too low for Moldova to buy new military hardware.

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Cited in: Казахстан «дистанцируется» от России, шагая «по острию бритвы»

 

"Казахстан «дистанцируется» от России, шагая «по острию бритвы» 

 Radio Liberty/Free Europe

14 May 2022

Originally published: https://rus.azattyq.org/a/review-kazakhstan-distancing-from-putins-offensive-in-ukraine/31849271.html 

 ПОЧЕМУ КАЗАХСТАН ОТКАЗАЛСЯ ОТ ВОЕННОГО ПАРАДА В ДЕНЬ ПОБЕДЫ?

О попытке Казахстана дистанцироваться от российской агрессии говорится и в статье, опубликованной на сайте американского исследовательского института Аtlantic Council. Директор консалтинговой компании Second Floor Strategies Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес и исследователь Центральной Азии Камила Ауэзова пишут о том, что стоит за отказом Казахстана проводить военный парад 9 мая.

После российского вторжения в Украину празднование Дня Победы 9 мая приобрело дополнительный символический смысл. Праздник, посвященный победе Советского Союза над нацистской Германией, стал центральным элементом национальной идентичности современной России, но отношение к нему в других странах бывшего СССР зачастую более тонкое и отражает сложную динамику постимперских отношений с Москвой. «Для Казахстана отказ от празднования Дня Победы стал способом дистанцироваться от российской агрессии», — отмечают авторы.

 

Cited in: "Putin humiliation: Losing allies 'in own backyard' as Kazakhstan cancels Victory Day"

 

"Putin humiliation: Losing allies 'in own backyard' as Kazakhstan cancels Victory Day"

By: Catherine Meyer-Funnell

Express

12 May, 2022

Originally published: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1609027/Putin-humiliation-russia-ukraine-war-kazakhstan-cancels-victory-day-parade-ont 

 "The Atlantic Council described this statement as “meaningful” coming from a senior Kazakhstani official while in the US."

International Policy Digest: Russian Disinformation in 2022: Following the Historical Blueprint

"Russian Disinformation in 2022: Following the Historical Blueprint"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

World News

International Policy Digest

11 May, 2022

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/russian-disinformation-in-2022-following-the-historical-blueprint/

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, battles are not fought just on the physical battlefield but also online via disinformation campaigns. A key fact to keep in mind is that Russian-sponsored disinformation campaigns have not been solely focused on Ukraine in recent years, other post-Soviet states have also been targeted.

Lies and threats

By now the justifications for the Russian invasion of Ukraine are well known. Moscow argues that this special military operation is to “denazify” and remove “extremist” elements from Ukraine that threaten the Fatherland. Russian TV channels have stressed not only constant victories on the ground but also how Ukrainians are supposedly welcoming Russian forces as liberators, while also arguing that the atrocities committed in Bucha are “fake.” Maintaining the support of the Russian population is an obvious priority for the Kremlin, hence facts are either denied or twisted.

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