Eastern Europe / News
Smarter US sanctions seen driving down Turkey-Russia trade
Turkish exports to Russia fall one third in first quarter.
Turkey cancels visa-free travel for Tajiks as Tajikistan rejects Kremlin’s claims Ukraine recruits mercenaries in Dushanbe
Moscow’s assertion has no basis in fact, says Tajik foreign ministry.
Kyrgyzstan: China solidifying economic hold on Bishkek
Fear of secondary sanctions prompting the cutting of a major fiscal cord with Russia.
Orban’s son-in-law and Russian oligarch reportedly attempted to buy stakes in Spar
The bids were allegedly part of a campaign by the Hungarian government to force the retailer to allow businessmen close to the Orban regime to enter the company.
Ukraine recruiting war mercenaries from Tajikistan, Russia’s security council chief reported as saying
Nikolai Patrushev said to have claimed Kyiv is running the recruitment via an operation at its embassy in Dushanbe.
Nato chief proposes $100bn fund to aid Ukraine
Up to now voluntary Western support for Ukraine has been co-ordinated through the Ramstein group headed by the US.
US told Moscow that Crocus City Hall was terrorist target
According to officials speaking to the American outlet, the US highlighted the venue as a possible target, two weeks before terrorists from Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) killed 144 people and injured hundreds more.
Defiant RBI under fire as Deripaska Strabag deal proceeds
Washington could reportedly impose penalties on the bank for violating sanctions if deal goes ahead.
Czech spy agency says pro-Kremlin media ring targets European Parliament elections in several states
Far-right politicians across the EU have been promoted on the Voice of Europe media platform ahead of the European Parliament elections.
Russian hard discounter eyes Hungarian retail market
Svetofor faces challenges in its supply chain due to war and sanctions, but is going ahead with plans to expand in Eastern Europe.
Putin calls up 150,000 more soldiers
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed his annual spring conscription decree, calling up a new swathe of young Russians for compulsory military service.
Russian Foreign Ministry blames Ukraine’s secret service for Moscow terrorist attack
Russian investigators have officially accused Ukraine of being behind the deadly terrorist attack that killed at least 144 people in Moscow on March 22.
Poland and Ukraine inch closer to agri trade deal
Trade dispute has sparked farmer protests in Poland and strained bilateral relations.
EU declines to transfer €5bn from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine
The EU has opted against transferring €5bn to Ukraine from the proceeds derived from frozen assets of the Russian Federation, a decision likely to stoke controversy amidst heightened tensions between the EU and Russia.
Sanctioned sister of billionaire Usmanov waives right to benefit from family trusts
The sanctioned sister of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has voluntarily and irrevocably waived her right to receive benefits from two family trusts set up years ago by the Uzbek-born tycoon in a bid to have sanctions on her lifted.
Sanctions on Russian diamonds see traders flee Antwerp for Dubai
As sanctions on Russian diamonds kick in, traders are fleeing their long time European base of Antwerp and setting up in Dubai to avoid what they say are “impossible” rules.
Tajik media pick up on Russian Duma deputy’s call for migrant visa regime following terrorist attack
Central Asians in Russia, meanwhile, endure beatings, vandalism and racism in backlash.
Lukashenko contradicts Putin on Crocus City terrorists, threatens to invade Baltics
In Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko’s latest bombastic rant, he contradicted Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the four terrorists fleeing the killing spree in the Crocus City Hall mall were headed towards Belarus not Ukraine.
Putin afraid of causing labour shortages by pointing finger at Central Asia for terrorist attack, says analyst
Kyrgyzstan warning citizens to stay away from Russia and Turkmenistan trying to bring students home.
Speculation swirls of “Men in Blue” in Crocus City Hall terrorist attack linked to FSB
FSB officers may have been in the concert hall during the terrorist attack in Moscow, according to speculation posted on the Nexta Telegram channel.