Simone Sandrini

Security & Eastern Europe Correspondent • Simone is a geopolitical analyst specialising in Russia, the post-Soviet space, and European security, with a particular focus on hybrid threats and the EU's evolving strategic autonomy. He studied at the University of Bologna, where he is completing his Master's degree in International Relations and East-European and Eurasian Studies (MIREES), with additional research experience at Tbilisi State University on South Caucasus regional security, and previously earned a Master's degree (Red Diploma) from Saint Petersburg State University, where his thesis examined EU-Russia cybersecurity relations. His professional interests centre on Russia's internal and external political dynamics, grey-zone and hybrid warfare tactics, and Europe's broader defence and security integration. He currently contributes analysis to the Italian think tank Osservatorio Russia, covering the post-Soviet space, including the Caucasus, Central Asia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Russia. Simone is fluent in Italian and English, with intermediate proficiency in Russian.
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