Eastern Europe / News
Russian official urges women to wear mini-skirts to boost birth rate
Russia is experiencing its most severe demographic decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union, prompting politicians from President Vladimir Putin to local councillors to propose measures to increase the population.
Iran, EEU free trade deal to take effect in mid-May
A comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will come into force on May 15, paving the way for stronger economic ties and potentially doubling trade volumes.
Trump to have key phone call with Putin to discuss terms needed to end the Ukraine conflict
Russia will agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, US President Donald Trump said ahead of a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Lithuania links Russian intelligence to arson attacks in Vilnius and Warsaw
Lithuanian prosecutors have accused Russian military intelligence of orchestrating an arson attack on an IKEA store in Vilnius in May, the Prosecutor General's Office said on 17 March.
Washington leans on Budapest to back down from veto threats
Hungary's government has backed down on vetoing European Union sanctions on Russia following direct pressure from Washington.
Serbia invites FBI to investigate use of sonic weapon at protest
Videos posted social media show protesters scattering after a loud sound, with some speculating that it was caused by a sonic cannon.
Putin extends diplomatic lifeline to Venezuela's Maduro in Victory Day invitation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to Moscow's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, celebrating the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Only rich people should be allowed to own cryptocurrency, Russia says
The Central Bank of Russia has proposed restricting cryptocurrency transactions to the wealthiest individuals, preventing most citizens from trading digital assets unless they meet stringent financial criteria.
Russia demands its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of ceasefire deal
Russia will insist on its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of any ceasefire deal to end the conflict in Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in remarks published on March 17.
Belarus asks Russia for a second nuclear power plant
Belarus has formally requested Russia's assistance in building a second nuclear power plant within its borders as electricity consumption rises.
Hungary demands removal of Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman from EU sanctions list
The Hungarian government, widely regarded as the most Russia-friendly in the EU, has repeatedly obstructed EU sanctions against Moscow and delayed military aid to Ukraine.
Putin leaves door open to 30-day ceasefire but avoids firm commitments
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stopped short of making definitive commitments, leaving key issues unresolved.
Tusk hails Erdogan meeting as “historic breakthrough” as Poland, Turkey commit to joint defence, arms production work
"Our cooperation as two strong Nato partners has taken on a new significance today," he says.
EU braces for Hungarian veto on Russia sanctions extension
Brussels is preparing for the possibility that Hungary may block the renewal of European Union sanctions against Russia, a move that could unfreeze tens of billions of euros in assets and undermine Ukraine's financial aid structure.
Russian activist urges Kremlin to ban sex toys to combat demographic decline
A conservative Russian activist has called on the government to ban sex toys nationwide, arguing that their availability undermines traditional family structures and exacerbates the country’s demographic crisis
Poland’s Tusk backs Turkey for Ukraine peace process role on Ankara visit
Trip also provides support to president Erdogan as he bids to make Turkish armed forces and defence industry prominent in Europe's plan to rearm and strengthen security architecture.
Druzhba pipeline oil deliveries suspended temporarily due to drone strike, Hungarian FM says
Oil deliveries to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline have had to be suspended temporarily on March 11 due to a Ukrainian drone strike on one of the pipeline’s measuring stations.
Briefings reveal Nato chief called on EU and Turkey to improve relations amid pressing security concerns
Mark Rutte said to have privately urged bloc leaders to step up engagement with Turkish leader Erdogan. Ankara keen for role in beefed up European defence format.
"Sudzha is our Stalingrad": Russia to open museum in Kursk Region to document Ukrainian occupation
Authorities in Russia’s Kursk region have proposed the establishment of a museum in Sudzha dedicated to the “Ukrainian occupation” of the city, which has been under Kyiv’s control for seven months since August 2024.
Ukraine agrees to US-brokered 30-day ceasefire with Russia
At talks in Jeddah, Ukrainian officials say Kyiv is willing to suspend military operations, provided Moscow adheres to the terms.