Eastern Europe / News
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.
Iran seeks to expand nuclear power cooperation with Russia's Rosatom
Iran has expressed interest in building a new nuclear power plant in cooperation with Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, the company's CEO Alexei Likhachev said.
Moldovagaz’s head says $709mn debt to Gazprom close to being settled
Gazprom cited a $709mn outstanding debt when it cut gas supplies to Moldova on January 1, but Chisinau says the debt is only $8.7mn.
War in Ukraine started as punishment for masturbation, says Russian Orthodox Church
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was caused by societal moral decay, including a widespread indulgence in sinful behaviour such as masturbation, a senior figure in the Russian Orthodox Church has claimed.
Russia reports successful strikes against critical Ukrainian gas and energy infrastructure
Russia’s armed forces conducted a co-ordinated strike on critical gas and energy infrastructure in Ukraine using high-precision weapons and drones.
UPDATED: Iran, Russia sign long-awaited strategic partnership deal
Presidents of Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal during a meeting in Moscow on January 17, marking a new era of cooperation.
VTB aims to open first Russian bank in Iran by end of 2025
Russia's second-largest bank VTB plans to open a bank in Iran by the end of 2025, pending approval from Iranian regulators.
Iranian president begins Russia visit with wreath-laying ceremony
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian began his official visit to Russia on January 17 by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow's Alexander Garden, ahead of crucial talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskiy seeking security guarantees from European leaders with little luck
In a string of meetings with European leaders this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been met with warm words and promises of support, but he did not get the one things he really wants and needs: concrete security guarantees.
CAR mercenary becomes first African to die in Ukraine conflict
Derrick Ngamana, a 32-year-old from the Central African Republic (CAR), has been confirmed as the first African mercenary to die while fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
Russia considers banning children from social media over ‘anti-Russian propaganda’
Russian lawmakers have proposed banning children under 14 from social media, claiming they are being exposed to "anti-Russian propaganda" and other harmful content online.
British PM Starmer signs '100-year partnership' with Ukraine in Kyiv
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Kyiv on January 16, where he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a landmark "100-Year Partnership" treaty aimed at deepening ties in security, energy, science, and trade.
Polish President Duda says Ukraine should join Nato as soon as possible
Ukraine’s best option to ensure national security will be to join Nato in the “near future,” President Andrzej Duda said on January 15 as he hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Warsaw.
Spike in Czech beer exports to Russia highlights cracks in Moscow-bound trade and businesses
Czechia’s exports of beer increased year on year in 2024, which was the first spike in beer exports to Russia after a slump caused by Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent severing of business links to Russia.
Russia backs Vietnam's bid to join BRICS
Russia has publicly endorsed Vietnam's aspirations to join the influential BRICS bloc, a move that could significantly bolster Hanoi's global standing and economic prospects.
Poland's Tusk warns of Russian airline bomb terror campaign, promises to speed Ukraine's EU membership
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia is planning a terror campaign of bombs on “airlines around the world” at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during his visit to Poland on January 15.
Russian presidential adviser warns Moldova may “cease to exist”
Influential Russian presidential advisor Nikolai Patrushev uses unprecedentedly aggressive rhetoric against Moldova, saying it may "become part of another state or ... cease to exist".
Czechia wraps up work on pipeline expansion to end reliance on Russian oil
Czechia is on track to end its reliance on Russian oil within the next few months following the completion of key technical work on the TAL-PLUS oil pipeline expansion.
Putin-Trump summit planned — but where will it happen?
Both Serbia and Switzerland have offered to host talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US president-elect Donald Trump.