Eastern Europe / News
Brazil to host expanded BRICS summit in July amid US dollar tensions
Brazil will host leaders from the BRICS nations and their new members in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, as the burgeoning bloc faces growing pressure from the US over plans to reduce dollar dependence in trade.
Kremlin orders Russian media to downplay importance of Trump after Putin call
Kremlin wants fewer mentions of US President Donald Trump, to emphasise Putin as the primary decision-maker
Ukrainian drone strikes Kazakhstan’s main oil export pipeline route in Russia
Attack comes on same day Hungarian and Kazakh top diplomats back idea of Ukraine conflict talks between Putin and Trump.
US threatens troop deployment to Ukraine if Russia resists peace talks
The United States may impose stricter sanctions and consider deploying troops to Ukraine if Moscow refuses to engage in meaningful negotiations to end the war, US Vice President JD Vance has warned.
Valentine’s Day Is a ‘spiritual venereal disease,' Russian MP Says
Valentine’s Day is a "spiritual venereal disease" and a form of "cultural sabotage" against Russia, according to Vitaly Milonov, a controversial deputy in Russia's State Duma
Poland to play key role in EU Paris meeting to counter Trump’s Ukraine talks exclusion
Poland was the poor second cousin to its EU peers when it first joined the EU two decades ago. But a flourishing economy, its frontline position and growing military might means it’s been promoted to the top table in EU affairs.
Europe out of Ukraine ceasefire talks
When asked if Europe will be at the table in the upcoming US-Russia negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, US special envoy to Ukraine retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said “no.”
Hamas in Gaza releases American, Russian and Argentine-dual national Israelis in sixth prisoner swap under ceasefire deal
Hamas has released three Israeli hostages in Gaza's southern city of Khan Yunis on February 15 under a continuing ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Brazil drops BRICS currency plan in favour of local payment push
Brazil will not pursue a common BRICS currency during its presidency of the bloc this year, focusing instead on facilitating trade in local currencies despite warnings from US President Donald Trump about challenging dollar dominance.
Iraqi migrants face trial in Russia after EU-border jump to Latvia
Twenty-three men from Iraq's Kurdistan Region are awaiting trial in Russia following their detention at European Union borders, with one illegal migrant reportedly dying in custody.
Bolivia courts controversy with lopsided lithium deals favouring China and Russia
Environmental groups and economic analysts have raised fresh concerns about Bolivia's recent lithium extraction agreements with Chinese and Russian firms, highlighting potential risks to national interests and environmental sustainability.
Belarusian authorities release American citizen from a Minsk jail as part of Russo-US prisoner exchange deal
Prisoner release follows liberation of former US embassy employee Mark Fogel from Russian detention in a PR coup for US President Donald Trump.
Moscow cracks down on Azerbaijani migrants after rift with Baku
Russia-Azerbaijan relations are worsening, exacerbated by the fallout from the downing of an Azerbaijani passenger aircraft and subsequent diplomatic disputes.
Trump announces immediate Ukraine peace talks after call with Putin
Negotiations to end the war in Ukraine will begin immediately, US President Donald Trump announced after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine’s goal of joining NATO and reclaiming 2014 borders ‘unrealistic,’ says Trump’s defense secretary
Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO and reclaim all its pre-2014 territory is "unrealistic," according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, signalling a major shift in Washington’s approach to European security under President Donald Trump.
Russians in Far East ask Putin for soldiers to shoot tigers terrorising Siberia, eating their pets
Residents of Russia’s Far East are pleading for government intervention as Amur tigers increasingly encroach on human settlements, attacking domestic animals and raising fears of human casualties, Siberia Realities has reported.
Russian gas supplies to Europe via TurkStream hit new all-time high in January
Russian gas supplies to Europe via the TurkStream gas pipeline set a new record last week, according to data from the European Network of Gas Transmission System Operators.
David Beckham registers trademark in Russia despite supporting Ukraine
David Beckham’s company, DB Ventures, has registered the “David Beckham” trademark in Russia, allowing it to sell textiles and home goods under his name.
At Aero India, Russia aims to keep New Delhi interested
Ahead of India’s Aero India defence expo, Russia’s state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport revealed that total military exports to India have reached $80bn.
_0_1739294106.jpg)
Student protests spread across the Balkans
Student protests have broken out in Bosnia and Slovenia, with demonstrators rallying in support of protests in Serbia as well as on local issues.