Russia
LONG READ: Nato summit in The Hague is all about the money, not about Ukraine
The collected membership of Nato meets in The Hague on June 25 for a cutdown version of the annual gathering, where Ukraine has been dropped from the agenda and the only thing that will be discussed is increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP.
How President Trump clinched a ceasefire between Israel and Iran
Following twelve days of intense warfare between Iran and Israel, a ceasefire has been reached through direct US intervention and diplomatic support from other countries.
COMMENT: The long road to a BRICS-led world order hits familiar obstacles
Brazil's upcoming BRICS summit exposes the bloc's growing pains as 21 members wrestle with deep divisions. The group's ambitious challenge to US financial dominance hits reality as internal disagreements threaten its push for global clout.
Russia courts Mexico with LNG offer as energy ties with US face strain
Russia is pushing to boost energy ties with Mexico, offering LNG and tech support as the country faces ageing infrastructure, low output, and heavy reliance on US gas.
Sanctions no longer top Russian business concern, worries now focused on internal constraints on growth – survey
Russian business leaders are increasingly less concerned about Western sanctions but more preoccupied with structural economic challenges, particularly labour shortages and cost pressures, according to the latest "CEO Barometer" poll.
Farmers powerless to prevent five of the six staple crop yields from plummeting – New Scientist
Efforts by farmers to adapt to rising temperatures will not be enough to prevent severe losses in global staple crop production due to climate change, according to a new study published in New Scientist on June 18.
COMMENT: Black Sea becomes central to Europe’s evolving security order
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the Black Sea is emerging as the key theatre in Europe’s long-term security contest with Russia, according to political analyst Dimitar Bechev of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
COMMENT: Georgia goes from sanctions-dodging transit country to Russia’s oil export backdoor into Europe
Georgia has long been suspected of being a major transit country for European sanctioned goods travelling to Russia, but now it appears the trade is flowing in the other direction: Georgia has become a major backdoor into the EU for Russian oil.
Where the world is losing tree cover fastest – Statista
North America is close on the heels of Latin America when it comes to tree cover loss, according to data published by the World Resources Institute, Statista reports.
Russian expert warns of World War 3 following US strikes on Iran
A Russian military expert has warned that American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities could trigger a third world war, as Tehran demanded an emergency UN Security Council session.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to attend a Nato summit in The Hague next week after all
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to attend a Nato summit in The Hague next week after all, the European Council confirmed on June 20, amid uncertainty over the US role in transatlantic security commitments.
"Ukraine is ours" Putin tells deleages at SPIEF
“Ukraine is part of Russia,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his keynote address at this year’s St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) plenary session on June 20, putting the cat amongst the pigeons.
Russia warns Western 'regime change' plans for Iran will trigger refugee crisis and destroy Europe
Russian Federation Council senator Alexey Pushkov accused Western nations of plotting regime change in Iran, warning such policies would ultimately destroy the West itself.
Russian economy: cooling or recession?
One of the most closely watched sessions at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which is underway now, is the economic panel with the heavy hitters from the Kremlin’s economic team.
Russian ghost ship towed from Gdynia for scrapping in Denmark
Polish authorities began the removal of the derelict Russian oil tanker Khatanga from the Port of Gdynia after years of abandonment.
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Russian inflation slows to 9.6% as of June 16
Russia’s consumer prices rose by 0.04% week on week between June 10 and 16, compared with 0.03% w/w the previous week, according to the latest data from RosStat.
Indonesia’s President Subianto guest of honour at Russia’s SPIEF investment conference
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Constantine Palace near St Petersburg on June 19, marking the start of Subianto’s first official visit to Russia since taking office in late 2024.
Argentina dismantles Russian network linked to Wagner founder
Argentina's government has uncovered a Russian influence operation targeting the country through disinformation campaigns and political infiltration, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni announced.
Russia provoking conflict in Western Balkans as leverage against West, think-tank says
Instability in the Western Balkans "presents Russia with a win-win scenario", says FPRI analysis.
Lula-Zelensky meeting falls through again at troubled G7 summit
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva departed the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, on June 17 without holding a planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Kyiv’s request for bilateral talks.