I was born in Yekaterinburg, Russia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. In 2011, I worked with Dr. Leon Aron, the Director of Russian Studies at AEI. I am fluent in English, Russian and Czech, and beginner in Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) and French.
Latest posts by Valentina Lukin
1 May 2014
Is Federalism a Solution to South-East Ukraine's Identity Crisis?

In an ironic twist, pro-Ukrainian activists disseminate flyers in the Donetsk urging people to call for a referendum on joining the Dnepropetrovsk Region.
12 April 2014
Russia Reconsiders Bitcoin?

A partial exodus from Russia by MasterCard and Visa has inspired some digital currency enthusiasts to propose Bitcoin, the world's leading crypto-currency, as a solution to the country's monetary problems.
4 April 2014
Donations Prolong Life of Opposition TV Station

The week-long telethon that started at the end of March has collected enough funds to maintain broadcasting for just over 53 days.
23 March 2014
What Is the Future of Russia's News Media?

Now that Moscow has formally annexed Crimea, following a controversial popular referendum, it's possible, if not extremely likely, that Russian journalists will face even greater difficulties.
11 March 2014
Russia's Crackdown Ahead of Crimea's Referendum

Amidst the crackdown, eyes now turn to March 15, when Muscovites will demonstrate against Russian intervention in Ukraine, a day before Crimean voters decide between secession and expanded autonomy.
17 January 2014
Looking Back at Russia's Divided New Year Celebration

President Putin delivered two New Year's addresses in 2013 -- one for Russia's Far East, and another for the rest of the country.
2 September 2013
Russian Flooding Snaps Volunteers into Action

Protracted flooding of the Amur River has buried swaths of the Russian-Chinese border under water, affecting more than 100 thousand people in roughly 185 towns.