„There are two quite different stories about war and peace in Japan“ Interview The invasion of Ukraine has shocked Japan. The country participates in the sanctions against Russia. Still, people in Japan look at the war in Europe against the backdrop of security threats in their Northeast Asian region, says Akira Kawasaki, a peace activist with the Japanese NGO Peace Boat. He sees opportunities for civil society action even under current war conditions. By Axel Harneit-Sievers
G20 Under Siege Analysis This year, Indonesia holds the presidency of the G20. During the preparations for the upcoming summit in November 2022 in Bali, how does Indonesia navigate growing controversies amongst the G20 member states concerning the Russian aggression towards Ukraine? By Yulius P Hermawan
Four disturbing aspects to Slovakia limiting abortion access for Ukrainian women Commentary More reports about rapes by the Russian army against the Ukrainian girls and women who are arriving in Slovakia have been exposed. In the meantime, the Slovak parliament is discussing proposals on banning abortion for women without permanent residency. This cynical targeting of Ukrainian girls and women is disturbing, says Denisa Nešťáková. By Dr. Denisa Nešťáková
Sanctioning Russian fossil may be costly, but it is feasible Commentary In the midst of a cruel war and an unfolding climate crisis, Europe has to answer a crucial question: how do we cut our energy ties with Russia, while at the same time accelerating our transition towards energy efficiency and a renewable energy system? Commentary by Green MEP Bas Eickhout. By Bas Eickhout
How to break Czechia's dependence on Russian gas Analysis What longer-term, environmentally sustainable measures can the Czech Republic introduce to break its dependence on Russian gas while ensuring that no one is left behind? By Jiří Koželouh and Karel Polanecký
The climate crisis and the war in Ukraine's common denominator: fossil fuels dependence Commentary The consequences of the war in Ukraine are palpable even in Bratislava, over a thousand kilometres from the border. Ukrainian is heard more often on the streets, cars with Ukrainian number plates are appearing on the roads, the windows of shops and apartments are festooned with Ukrainian flags, and the city is alive with marches and initiatives in support of Ukraine. The only thing that has remained unaffected is the flow of oil and gas from Russia to Slovakia, and our payments for it. By Dorota Osvaldová
Away from Russian gas: Germany and Europe must swap their dependencies on fossil fuels for green energy partnerships Analysis As Germany moves away from Russian energy imports, new dependencies on fossil energies must be avoided. The potential alternative from energy-saving, renewables and European cooperation offers excellent opportunities in the short, medium and long terms. But this will require new, green energy partnerships built on a new foundation of values. By Sascha Müller-Kraenner and Constantin Zerger
Where are the Ukrainian women? Respecting female voices now and in post-war times Commentary The Russian invasion of Ukraine tragically continues with brutal shelling of civilian targets, escalating into a humanitarian catastrophe. At the forefront of all this is the masculinity of war which caused these horrors in the first place, and which allows for ignoring the voices of Ukrainian women at all levels. By Dr. Míla O'Sullivan
How the war in Ukraine has driven the EU and Britain further apart Commentary The UK government has used its response to the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to distance itself further from the EU, says Ros Taylor. By Ros Taylor
Statement on the ban of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Russia Press release By banning the work of German political foundations, the Russian leadership is purposefully trying to block an essential, independent channel of communication between our societies. We deeply regret this further escalation by the Russian authorities. We will maintain contact with all those who are working courageously, creatively, steadfastly and with conviction for a different, peaceful and democratic Russia. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung