Eastern Europe / News
Lukashenko draws himself deeper into Putin’s war
Lukashenko has now officially admitted a certain participation by Belarus in Russia’s war in Ukraine, likely due to increased pressure from Putin for more political support. Now Lukashenko is drawing himself even deeper into Putin’s war.
Russia strikes Kyiv Oblast with "Kamikaze" drones from Iran
‘Kamikaze’ drone attacks were reported 80 km from Kyiv in the city of Bila Tserkva on the night of October 4. The drones are allegedly part of the Iranian-made Shahed series, which Russia has used on the battlefields since September.
Head of National Bank of Ukraine resigns over health issues
The head of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) resigned on October 4 citing health-related reasons.
Hungary agrees on deferred payments with Gazprom for winter gas deliveries
Agreement helps ease pressure on Hungary’s widening current account deficit and steady the sinking forint.
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US sanctions Russia’s CBR head Nabiullina and other officials
The US Treasury has announced additional sanctions in response to Russia’s "fraudulent" referenda and subsequent annexations of the occupied regions of Ukraine, with the SDN list now including the Central Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina.
Russia prepares for new attacks against Ukraine from Belarusian territory
While last week's mobilisation scare from Belarus appears to be a false alarm, Belarus is helping Russia prepare for renewed attacks along the lines of Ukraine's border with Belarus.
Blue and yellow returns to Lyman, Borova and Mikhailivka as Ukraine liberates settlements in east and south
Ukrainian troops liberated several settlements over the weekend in the east, including a critical victory in the city of Lyman on 1 October, just days after Russia announced the annexation of Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine.
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OPEC+ makes 2mn bpd cut, angering the US
Months of badgering by Western leaders counted for nought this week as OPEC+ announced a 2mn bpd quota reduction that serves to bolster prices and cover up issues raising production.
EU members still fail to see eye to eye on gas price cap
EU member states met again on September 30 to discuss imposing a price cap on gas imports, but there is still little consensus on what form the measure would take.
Putin signs off annexation of four Ukrainian regions
President Vladimir Putin has annexed the largest piece of territory in Europe since those taken by Adolf Hitler.
Kremlin preparing for a protracted conflict by putting Russian economy onto a war footing
Details from the draft 2023-2025 budget show that spending on the Russian army this year will rise by half to RUB5 trillion.
Report says Russian gas supplies to Europe via TurkStream now endangered
Gazprom unit that operates pipeline said to be withdrawing all technical support.
Germany says three out of four Nord Stream pipelines damaged beyond repair
The disabling of Nord Stream has spooked markets as it removes the possibility of resuming deliveries of gas in the depth of winter if an energy crisis becomes acute.
EU prepares eighth sanction package against Russia, including oil price cap but no ban on diamond trading
The draft measures will be considered by the 27 member countries, where they need unanimous approval.
Turkish state banks follow private lenders in freezing use of Russia’s Mir payment system
Erdogan backed use of Russian Visa-equivalent after meeting with Putin. US reacted by stepping up pressure on Turkey over sanctions enforcement.
Lukashenko meets with Putin in Sochi
As Lukashenko met with Putin in Sochi, economic co-operation was certainly high on the "bilateral agenda." For Lukashenko, the most pressing matter is a new $1.5bn loan, which he doesn't seem to be getting.
Poland worried about Baltic Pipe security after Nord Stream explosions
Warsaw fears sabotage of Nord Stream on same day Baltic Pipe opened was no coincidence.
Taliban sign deal to buy Russian oil, gas and wheat
Agreement marks regime’s first international economic deal. Moscow eyes economic corridor through Central Asia and Afghanistan to South Asia.
Seismologists record explosions in area of Nord Stream leaks
Explosions were registered by seismologists in Sweden over the last 36 hours, according to the country’s national broadcaster SVT, in the same areas where gas leaks were reported to have occurred at the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines yesterday, stokin
Sabotage suspected as gas leaks reported at both Nord Stream 1 and 2
Natural gas leaks have now been reported at both Russia’s Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, and while the reasons are unclear, the fact that both pipelines suffered leaks on the same day has prompted speculation of sabotage.
