Eastern Europe / News
US will play minimum role in Ukraine’s security guarantees – Politico
The Pentagon’s top policy official Elbridge Colby says the US will play a minimal role in any Ukraine security guarantees, Politico reported on August 21.
Belarus and Iran pledge enhanced ties in high-level talks
Belarusian and Iranian leaders have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation and accelerate the implementation of agreements between the two heavily sanctioned countries.
Belarus’ veteran babushka protestor Nina Bahinskaya named an “extremist” by Belarusian authorities
Belarus’ authoritarian regime has named the iconic 78-year old protestor legend, Nina Bahinskaya, an extremist and added her to the to the Interior Ministry’s official list.
Peace turns on possible new Western security deals for Ukraine
Mixed results for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy following the historic meeting with US President Donald Trump and seven European leaders on August 18 in the White House.
High stake talks in Washington between Trump, Zelenskiy and EU leaders
Following the underwhelming Alaska summit, US president Donald Trump has invited five European leaders, NATO, and the EU to the Oval Office as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to close a deal that could end the war on August 18.
Putin demanded complete control of Donbas from Trump in Alaska talks
President Vladimir Putin demanded that Ukraine give up complete control of the Donbas in talks with Trump, but said he was prepared to freeze the conflict in the remaining two regions of Kherson and Zapariszhzhia the Financial Times reported.
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Kyivstar becomes first Ukrainian company to list on Nasdaq after $178mn SPAC merger
Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest telecoms operator, has become the first Ukrainian company to trade on Nasdaq after completing a merger with Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I, a special purpose acquisition company.
No deal in Alaska: Putin looks strong, Trump looks weak
No deal to end the war in Ukraine was reached at the historic meeting between US president Donald Trump and president Vladimir Putin at a three-hour summit in Alaska on August 15 that ended up making the Russian leader look stronger than ever.
US to offer Russia access to Alaskan rare earth minerals at Alaska summit - Daily Telegraph
The United States is preparing to propose granting Russia access to rare earth minerals in Alaska during the forthcoming summit between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin, The Daily Telegraph reported on August 13.
Russian PM on official visit to Kyrgyzstan, one of Moscow’s “closest partners”
Small Central Asian country appears to have become important to Moscow for sanctions-dodging re-exports and financial flows.
Sanctions on Russia push India to send diesel to China for first time since 2021
India’s Nayara Energy, which has ties to Russia’s Rosneft, is shipping diesel to China for the first time in more than four years, as European Union sanctions disrupt its petroleum exports
Venezuela clears way for Russian extradition of Ukraine supporter held in Caracas
Venezuela's Supreme Court will consider extraditing a Russian national and prominent Ukraine supporter to Moscow on terrorism charges, in yet another case that illustrates the deepening ties between Maduro's regime and the Kremlin.
Ukraine's position deteriorates ahead of key Trump-Putin summit in Alaska
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Anchorage, Alaska on August 15 in what could be critical talks that could bring the war in Ukraine a step closer.
European beekeepers oppose higher duty-free honey imports from Ukraine
The European Beekeeping Association (EBA) has called on the European Commission to delay a planned increase in duty-free honey imports from Ukraine, warning that the move risks worsening pressure on the EU’s honey market.
Fire reported at Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant's cargo port
Fire reported near cargo port of occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as Ukraine warns of catastrophic risks from Russian military actions at Europe's largest atomic facility.
Naftogaz wins Austrian court approval to seize Russian assets worth over €120mn
Ukraine’s state-owned Naftogaz Group has secured permission from an Austrian court to enforce a $5bn arbitral award against Russia, in the latest step in its effort to recover compensation for the seizure of its assets in Crimea.
Russia's Tatarstan region reports massive Ukrainian drone attack
Russia's Tatarstan region reports a massive drone attack, with air raid sirens sounding in Almetyevsk, as defence systems intercept 25 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions.
Armenian businessman launches $500mn arbitration case against Yerevan
Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan seeks $500mn in international arbitration against Armenia over alleged illegal expropriation of his electricity distribution company.
Iran revives Mark 1 Dacia Logan as Pars ‘Nova’ in relaunch
Move over Vauxhall, Iran's former GM plant has nabbed the Nova moniker for a rehashed Dacia sedan from the early 2000s!
US ends Ukraine war funding, says vice president JD Vance
US Vice President JD Vance has said that Washington has stopped financing Ukraine’s war effort, signalling a shift in policy under President Donald Trump towards pushing European allies to take greater responsibility in supporting Kyiv.