Eastern Europe / News
EU leaders brace for emergency summit if Hungary continues to block extension of Russian sanctions
Hungary has withheld its consent to extend EU sanctions against Russia at the meeting of EU ambassadors on January 24. EU Foreign Ministers will gather on Monday, 27 January, to vote on the issue.
Protests against Fico’s pro-Kremlin turn intensify across Slovakia
The intensification of the pro-Kremlin turn of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico drew the largest crowd of demonstrators to the streets of the Slovak capital Bratislava since protests against Fico's Smer party-led cabinet began in late 2023.
Ukraine offers coal and experts to settle Transnistria’s energy crisis without Russia
If Ukraine solves the energy crisis in Moldova, it would thwart Russian efforts to exploit the crisis to pursue its political interests in Moldova.
Putin says the Ukraine war "might not have happened" if Trump was president in 2022, as the two leaders flirt ahead of a mooted meeting
Since Trump’s inauguration, Putin has sent several signals that he is ready to open negotiation with the new American president on bringing the war to an end.
President Pellegrini calls situation in Slovakia “serious” in wake of country-wide protests, PM Fico coup plot claims
Slovakia’s President Peter Pellegrini said the situation in the country is “serious” following a security council meeting called after populist Prime Robert Fico claimed a plot to overthrow his government is taking place.
Trump says he wants to meet Putin “as soon as possible”, as Zelenskiy lobbies Davos for support
US President Donald Trump said that he wants to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "as soon as possible" to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, speaking to delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos by video link on January 23.
Human rights groups urge Zelenskiy to protect North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine
Human rights organisations advocating for North Korean citizens have called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to refrain from repatriating two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia.
Indian energy supply unaffected by US sanctions on Russia
India’s energy security remains steady despite new US sanctions targeting Russia.
Trump sets 100-day deadline for Ukraine peace, Zelenskiy seeks US guarantees
US President Donald Trump has tasked his special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, with ending the war in Ukraine within 100 days.
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Russia arrests Colombian fighter in occupied Kursk as mercenary crackdown widens
A Colombian citizen has been detained near the village of Alexandria in Russia's Kursk region on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity, as both Moscow and Kyiv grapple with the growing presence of foreign fighters in their ranks.
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Putin faces mounting economic challenges amid pressure for Ukraine peace talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin is under increasing pressure to address Russia’s deepening economic woes as US President Donald Trump intensifies calls for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.
Trump warns Putin of severe economic measures without swift Ukraine peace deal
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening severe economic measures unless a peace agreement is reached to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin and Xi reaffirm partnership just hours after Trump’s inauguration
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly reaffirmed their nations’ “no limits” partnership during a phone call on January 20, shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the US.
Russia and Armenia seek to ease strained relations
Foreign ministers meet in Moscow after Yerevan announced plans to join EU and signed strategic partnership with the US.
Bali shuts down "Russian Village"
The Gianyar Regency Government of Bali officially closed PARQ Ubud, also referred to as "The Russian Village," on January 20 for breaching local regulations.
Cocaine smuggling into Russia has risen TENFOLD since invasion of Ukraine
The volume of cocaine seized by Russian authorities has surged since the country launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reflecting a significant shift in international smuggling routes and techniques.
North Korea rejects Belarus summit proposal, calls for clarity in relations
In a rare public statement, Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister and influential political figure, has clarified her country’s stance on a proposed summit with Belarus
Putin congratulates Trump, signals hope for improved US-Russia relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 45th president of the United States, expressing hope for a more constructive relationship than with the outgoing administration led by Joe Biden.
Antidepressant sales in Russia hit record high amidst growing war stress
Sales of antidepressants in Russia soared to an unprecedented 16.1mn packages from January to November 2024, a year-on-year increase of 16.8%, according to data from DSM Group.
The Bavarian branch of far-right AfD party calls for all Ukrainian refugees to be expelled from Germany
The Bavarian branch of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has proposed deporting all 1.2mn Ukrainian war refugees living in Germany, claiming there is “room enough” in Ukraine to accommodate them if they could return.