Eastern Europe / News
Usmanov reported to be poised to exit telecom market by selling MegaFon to state-owned Rostelecom
Rostelecom already controls another "big four" mobile operator, Tele2 Russia, and the acquisition of MegaFon would result in large-scale state consolidation of the TMT sector.
Belarus faces new sanctions by the EU and asset seizures by Ukraine
After statements made by European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen in early January, the EU’s new sanctions package against Belarus is starting to take form. The new package will make the existing sanctions hit even harder.
Orban sparks storm by saying Ukraine is a 'no man's land'
Orban also told foreign journalists that he did "definitely not" want to stay in the EU, but was forced to do so because of Hungary’s trade links with the bloc.
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Ukraine official tweets ‘Did warn you’ after drone attack in Iran
Some reports say Israel behind mission. Kyiv has previously warned Tehran there could be payback for its provision of kamikaze drones to Russia.
EU urges Bosnia to introduce visa regime for Russians
EU officials want Bosnia to scrap its visa-free regime for Russian citizens, but faces opposition from pro-Russian politicians in Republika Srpska.
Leading Russian opposition publisher Meduza named “undesirable organisation” by General Prosecutor
The Russian government has stepped up its repressions against journalists by declaring Meduza, the country's largest independent media outlet, an "undesirable organisation" on January 26.
Ukrainian MP urges Kyiv to recognise Kosovo
Serbia's refusal to sanction Russia caused a shift of opinion in Ukraine, which currently does not recognise Kosovo's independence.
Western allies promise at least 156 game-changing tanks for Ukraine
Since Berlin announced it would send tanks to Ukraine this week, pledges from a dozen countries have come pouring in to send tanks from their own arsenals. Altogether the Western allies have promised to send at least 156 game-changing tanks.
Anglo-Russian Polymetal looks at switching listing from London to Kazakhstan
Move might enable gold and silver miner to carve out its Russian business.
Washington and Berlin end tank taboo with promise of Abrams and Leopards
The great tank taboo has finally been broken with the United States announcing it will send 31 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine just hours after Germany agreed to sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks, Washington and Berlin announced on January 25.
Berlin gives go-ahead to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine
After coming under extreme pressure from its European allies, Berlin announced it would send a company of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, in what is a significant escalation of Western help.
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EU authorises another monitoring mission to Armenia-Azerbaijan border
Civilian mission marks a new phase in the EU's engagement in the South Caucasus.
Kyiv's corruption crackdown as two MPs fired over allegations
Corruption allegations continue to plague Ukraine even in times of war. However, Kyiv is making an overt effort to clamp down on misconduct following pressure from Western allies.
Ukraine loses control of Soledar as Russia sees first victory since summer
Ukraine has lost control of Soledar, although fighting is still ongoing in the war-torn Donetsk town, the Kyiv Independent reported on January 22.
Germany announces new €1bn spring military aid package for Ukraine
There is no decision yet on Leopard tanks for Ukraine. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on January 20 that an agreement on providing Ukraine with Leopard tanks had not been reached yet.
Germany not to block Poland from sending Leopard tanks to Ukraine, says foreign minister
Countries that have the Leopards in their stock need Germany’s approval to send them to fight abroad, a commitment that Berlin has also been unwilling to make up to now.
FPRI BMB Russia: Wagner PMC Ltd.
The notorious Wager mercenary group registered as a joint-stock company on December 27. The group, which has not been an official legal entity until now, registered under the name “PMC Wagner Centre”.
No tanks for Ukraine at Ramstein meeting
Despite the intense pressure being brought on Berlin to allow Europe’s Nato members to send their advanced Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, a summit at the Nato Ramstein airbase failed to approve the measure.
Zelenskiy says he is not sure Putin is alive, in Davos speech
At the remote Ukrainian Breakfast hosted as part of the Davos 2023 forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed doubt about the possibility of peace talks with Russia – and whether Vladimir Putin is still “alive.”
"Putin never going to use nuclear weapons," Boris Johnson dismisses escalation fears and tells Ukraine's allies to send tanks
Ukraine’s allies gave a very clear and decisive message at the Ukrainian Breakfast panel discussion in Davos on January 19: Ukraine will beat Russia eventually, so let’s make it happen sooner rather than later.
