Subscriber OnlyCulture

Europe and Russia, 2022: A fast-changing continent in five graphics

A visual guide to Europe today, its shifting allegiances and ongoing conflicts

Europe and Russia, 2022: A fast-changing continent in five graphics
Graphic: Paul Scott

The graphics below offer a visual guide to the power struggles in Europe as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

At this crucial time in our history, see which countries have military or economic ties to western Europe, and which ones are closer to Russia.

Discover where Russia has a military presence beyond its own borders: not only in Ukraine/Crimea, but in other lands too.

Learn which states are neutral, which are in the EU and Nato, and which ones want to be.

READ MORE

The EU and Nato are well known in the West, but there are similar organisations in eastern and central Europe. What are the CIS and CSTO, and who is in them?

We also show which countries have been the biggest buyers of Russian gas: a key instrument of Putin’s power as he brings conflict to the continent.

1. Allegiances and alliances

Which countries are with the EU or Nato, and which are in partnerships with Russia? Click here for a detailed view of this map.

Europe and Russia, 2022: A fast-changing continent in five graphics
Graphic: Paul Scott

2. Russian influence

Its military power extends beyond its border.

Europe and Russia, 2022: A fast-changing continent in five graphics
Graphic: Paul Scott

3. Energy dependence

Which countries were most reliant on Russian energy prior to the Ukraine invasion?

Europe and Russia, 2022: A fast-changing continent in five graphics
Graphic: Paul Scott

4. Five key organisations, west and east

Military alliances and economic ties.

Europe and Russia, 2022: A fast-changing continent in five graphics
Graphic: Paul Scott

5. Who’s in what group?

51 countries, their memberships and neutrality status.

Europe and Russia, 2022: A fast-changing continent in five graphics
Graphic: Paul Scott