Eastern Europe / News
Russia’s war machine fed by free-flowing exports of Uzbek “guncotton” pulp, say reports
Shipments vital to nitrocellulose production used as explosive and propellant in shells, rockets and missiles.
Trump to hold talks with Putin in coming days, national security adviser reveals
US President-elect Donald Trump is planning a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days or weeks, according to Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser.
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Bolivia's lithium deals with Russia, China raise sovereignty concerns as state bears heavy risks
Bolivia's ambitious push to industrialise its vast lithium reserves has raised alarms over the risks assumed by the state in agreements with foreign companies.
Russia labels media outlet as ‘terrorist organisation’ for first time ever
Russia’s Supreme Court has declared regional media outlet Komi Daily a terrorist organisation – the first time such a designation has been applied to a publication.
Serbia plans to buy out Russian stake in NIS following US sanctions
Sanctions reignited debates over Serbia’s foreign policy, as the country navigates its historic ties with Russia while facing Western pressure to align with EU and Nato policies.
US imposes toughest oil sanctions ever on Russia to improve Ukraine and Trump’s leverage in mooted ceasefire talks
The Biden administration has unveiled its most extensive sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas business yet in a bid to give Ukraine and the incoming Trump admiration more leverage in widely expected ceasefire talks that may start soon.
Slovakia’s Fico steps up anti-Ukraine rhetoric over gas cut-off
Slovak premier threatens to veto Ukraine votes at EU level.
EBRD delivers 26% expansion in investments in 2024, commits record €16.6bn across economies
Lender notes strong momentum in green and gender financing, in parallel with steadfast support for Ukraine and its real economy.
Inspired by Trump, Bulgarian far-right leader wants to annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov says North Macedonia and the Ukrainian part of Southern Bessarabia should be added to Bulgaria.
Putin seizes Russia beer market JV of Brussels-listed AB InBev and Istanbul-listed Efes
Kremlin rejects Belgian and Turkish partners’ plan to in face of sanctions swap Russia and Ukraine stakes.
First sighting of Belarusian jailed opposition leader Viktor Babariko in two years
Jailed Belarusian opposition politician Viktor Babariko, a prominent challenger to President Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 election, has sent a video message to his family in his first public appearance in more than two years.
Russian exiles flee war and persecution, seeking refuge in Mexico
In recent years, a growing number of Russian nationals have sought refuge in Mexico, escaping either the ongoing war in Ukraine or persecution due to their sexual orientation.
Western acceptance of gender transitioning is “horrifying” and “apocalyptic,” says Head of Russian Church
Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has denounced gender transitioning as a "horrifying trend" and "a sin," attributing it to the West's alleged abandonment of faith and rejection of traditional moral principles.
Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas reportedly bids for Lukoil’s Bulgarian asset
Lukoil aims to sell Bulgarian refinery and petrol stations after Sofia banned imports of Russian crude oil.
Hundreds from Ukraine’s elite foreign-trained brigade go AWOL as desertions mount
One of Ukraine’s flagship military units, the 155th Mechanised Brigade, trained in France and equipped with some of the best Western weaponry, has lost over 1,700 soldiers, who have abandoned their posts and gone AWOL, without firing a single shot.
Absent Slovak premier traced to luxury hotel in Vietnam
Journalists question how Robert Fico can afford hotel suite where the cost of two nights equals his entire monthly salary.
Serbia braces for possible US sanctions on Russian-owned oil company NIS
Serbian government braces for the potential economic and political ramifications of the US' decision as it seeks to balance relations with Russia and the West.
Russian gas transit through Ukraine ends, with Europe meeting the new year with 5% less gas
Transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine ended in the early hours of January 1, depriving the EU of about 5% of its gas supply, after last-hope efforts led by Slovakia to ensure continued flow failed.
Ukrainian minister visits Damascus to meet new Syrian government
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha led a high-level delegation to Damascus on December 30 for talks with Syria's new rulers.
Moldova announces emergency measures as Gazprom set to halt gas supplies
Moldovan PM accuses Gazprom of weaponising gas supplies, introduces new measures to save energy.