Eastern Europe / News
Ukraine slams Slovak strongman Fico, saying he does not understand causes of war in Ukraine
PM Robert Fico and his nominally leftist Smer party have moved deep into national conservative waters and adopted pro-Kremlin propaganda talking points about Russia being “provoked” into invading Ukraine.
Largest shareholder of Russia's Samolet Group Mikhail Kenin dies at 57
Russia’s largest residential developer Samolet Group announces death of top shareholder Mikhail Kenin.
Wildfires close Dardanelles gateway to Black Sea
Strait closed as Turkey’s heatwave battle with raging wildfires fanned by strong winds continues.
Mixed messages on Russian oil supply to India
India’s Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy is struggling to secure ships to transport fuel after being placed under European Union sanctions.
Defrocked Kazakh cleric seeks to form Orthodox church independent of Moscow
Priest described Russia’s war in Ukraine as a “fratricidal sin”. Accused of attempting to form illegal “schismatic” venture.
Russia demands Central African Republic replace Wagner with Africa Corps and pay in cash
Wagner personnel have played a central role in protecting President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's administration in the Central African Republic.
Russia could face recession in 2026, major think tank warns
Russia’s economy could enter recession as early as 2026, even if the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) continues monetary policy easing, with key forward indicators nearing critical levels.
Trump threatens more sanctions on Russia and China as deadline looms
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for three hours on August 6 for “constructive talks”, just two days before a deadline set by former President Donald Trump for a ceasefire deal.
US doubles tariffs on India over Russian oil
The US has intensified trade pressure on India by announcing a sharp increase in tariffs on key exports, citing India's continued purchases of Russian oil
Russia strikes key Ukrainian gas facility linked to Trans-Balkan LNG route
Pipeline built to transport Russian gas through Ukraine to Southeast Europe has recently been repurposed to support imports of LNG from the US and Azerbaijan.
Moscow Exchange extends trading hours on stock market from September
The Moscow Exchange will extend its trading hours on the stock market from late September 2025.
India won't bow to US pressure over Russian oil imports
The Indian Foreign Ministry released an angry statement this week claiming that they are being “targeted” by the United States and European Union for importing oil from Russia.
Russian academic arrested on treason charges in latest crackdown
A prominent Russian academic and former Kremlin adviser has been arrested on charges of high treason, marking the latest detention of a university figure since Russia's wartime crackdown on academia began
Saudi Arabia to partner with Russia at St Petersburg economic forum marking diplomatic centenary
Saudi Arabia will serve as the guest country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, scheduled from June 3 to June 6, coinciding with the centenary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Saudi Arabia to partner with Russia at St Petersburg economic forum marking diplomatic centenary
Saudi Arabia will serve as the guest country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, scheduled from June 3 to June 6, coinciding with the centenary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Kremlin considering “air truce” as US envoy Witkoff arrives in Moscow for talks – Bloomberg
Russia is considering an “air truce” with Ukraine, ending its campaign of long-range drone and missile strikes against cities throughout country, as US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Moscow on August 6.
Russian drone made with India-linked components found on Ukraine’s battlefields
A Russian drone containing Indian-made electronic components has been discovered on Ukraine’s battlefield, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak said in a social media post.
Czech president says Ukraine unlikely to reclaim occupied territories
Czech President Petr Pavel has said Ukraine will not be able to liberate its Russian-occupied territories in the near future, and that it is unfair to pressure Kyiv to give them up, Interfax reported on August 5.
Russia detains 300 Tajiks for migration law violations in Moscow raid
Russian National Guard special forces detained 300 people for suspected migration law violations during a raid at a hostel in central Moscow.
Russia counters Trumps nuclear submarines, abandons self-imposed limits on short- and medium-range missiles
Russia has declared it will no longer observe self-imposed restrictions on deploying medium- and short-range missiles, ending a moratorium introduced after the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the United States.