Eastern Europe / News
Russia’s Tinkov and Calvey bet on Mexican fintech as Plata targets $10bn IPO
Two of the most prominent figures in post-Soviet finance—Oleg Tinkov and Michael Calvey—have reunited as investors in Plata, a rapidly growing Mexican fintech aiming to replicate the success of Tinkoff Bank, Russia’s first online-only fintech.
A row has broken out between Hungary and Ukraine over Kyiv’s right to join the EU
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed this week that 95% of Hungarians are against Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Putin heads to Belarus for EEU summit amid divisions within bloc
Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Belarus on June 26-27 to attend events commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Eurasian Economic Union.
Kazakhstan denies Ukrainian drones attacking Russia via its airspace
Moscow said dozens crossed western parts of its neighbour headed for Russian targets.
Nato members agree to 5% GDP spending hike, but will they pay?
Nato leaders agreed to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 and renewed their commitment to collective defence at the Nato summit held in the Hague on June 25, but how many of them will pay?
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Putin to skip Rio BRICS summit over ICC warrant as Xi signals no-show
Brazil's hosting of next month's BRICS summit is being overshadowed by the likely absence of two of the bloc's most powerful leaders, threatening to dent the gathering's geopolitical significance.
Estonia already spending more than 5% on Nato defences as it prepares for possible war with Russia
Nato members are gathering in The Hague for the annual security conference on June 25 where the US is demanding countries increase defence spending to at least 5% of GDP by 2035. Estonia is already there.
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.
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.
The Belarusian opposition leaders Sergey and Svetlana Tikhanovsky vow to continue the fight to release more political prisoners
Belarusian opposition figures Sergey Tikhanovsky, and his wife, presidential contender Svetlana Tikhanovskaya vowed to continue their fight against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and seek the release of more political prisoners.
Polish authorities thwarted assassination attempt on Ukrainian president in 2024, officials say
Polish and Ukrainian security services disrupted an attempt to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at Rzeszów airport in April 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine said on June 23.
US auditors arrive in Kyiv to check for corruption
American auditors have just landed in Kiev, and their plan is simple – to dig out what is really happening with the billions of dollars that the US has already sent to Ukraine.
Slovak ultranationalist leader Danko stirs rows inside Fico’s ruling coalition with talk about Nato exit
Andrej Danko's seeks to boost SNS’ faltering popularity in the radical anti-establishment electoral waters with anti-Nato rhetoric.
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.
Belarus opposition leader Tikhanovsky freed after US-brokered pardon
Belarusian opposition figure Sergey Tikhanovsky was freed on June 21 after a pardon mediated by US envoy Keith Kellogg.
"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 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.
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.