Eastern Europe / News
Serbia negotiates new long-term gas deal with Russia
Serbia has increased efforts to diversify its energy sources but remains heavily dependent on Russian gas.
Tensions in the Baltic Sea: Russia detains oil tanker that left Estonian port
Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned oil tanker, Green Admire, on May 18 after it departed from Estonia’s Port of Sillamae en route to Rotterdam, and was transiting Russia’s territorial waters along a previously agreed shipping corridor.
European leaders in Tirana for EPC summit amid “relentless attacks” on international order
European leaders focus on continent's mounting challenges: Russia’s war in Ukraine, economic security and democratic resilience.
Russo-Ukraine Istanbul ceasefire talks break up without result
The first direct meeting between the Kremlin and Bankova for negotiations since the start of the war in Ukraine in Istanbul on May 16 ended in failure with little progress being made.
_1747384660.jpg)
Brazil and Russia edge closer on nuclear deal
Brazil and Russia are expected to advance cooperation on small modular reactor (SMR) technology, Brazil’s Minister of Energy Alexandre Silveira said after a visit to Moscow with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Putin slaps Zelenskiy in the face, skipping the Istanbul meeting, sending a low-level delegation in his place
Russian president Vladimir Putin was a no-show at direct talks he proposed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and sent a low-level delegation instead that didn't include a single minister, in what has been called a “slap in the face”.
Lula presses Putin to attend Ukraine peace talks as Russian leader sends deputies instead
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva joined the chorus of voices piling pressure on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to personally attend proposed peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, but to no avail.
China's SWM to launch auto plant in Turkey
BYD's sales of zero-tariff Chinese EVs on Turkish market are, meanwhile, booming.
EBRD2025: France pledges €10mn to repair Chernobyl shelter after drone strike
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has secured a €10mn ($10.8mn) contribution from France to help fund emergency repairs to the New Safe Confinement (NSC) structure at the Chernobyl (Chornobyl) nuclear power plant.
Russia eyes deeper coal partnership with India amid long-term supply plans
Russia’s coal reserves are sufficient to meet domestic demand for over 500 years, and the country sees significant scope for deepening cooperation with India in the coal sector.
_1747123326.png)
Ukrainian ex-convict accused of masterminding botched Lima heist
A foiled heist in the heart of Lima has exposed the operations of a foreign-led gang allegedly orchestrated by Vitaliy Zinchenko, a 42-year-old Ukrainian national with a criminal past in Peru.
Russian tycoon Usmanov wins lawsuit against Luxembourg media giant
A German court has banned Mediahuis Luxembourg S.A., the most important media holding in Luxembourg, from referring to Uzbek-born Russian metals and media tycoon Alisher Usmanov as the owner of the luxury superyacht Dilbar.
EBRD cuts 2025 growth forecasts citing tariffs and global uncertainty
Development bank lowers forecasts for Emerging Europe, Central Asia and North Africa as slowdowns in Germany and China take their toll.
Zelenskiy to travel to Istanbul after Trump backs Putin’s offer of talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy agreed to hold face-to-face peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on May 15.
EU leaders demand Putin end hostilities or face crushing sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a rare midnight press conference on May 10 and called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in the Istanbul format, as the key EU members of the coalition of the willing met Ukrainian President Zelinskiy.
Brazil courts Moscow with nuclear and defence pacts as Europe rallies behind Ukraine
Brazil and Russia are pursuing extensive cooperation on nuclear technology, military hardware and space exploration, as President Lula da Silva dismissed European criticism of his attendance at Vladimir Putin's Victory Day celebrations.
Lithuanian activists hand out condoms on Victory Day to prevent 'another Putin' from being born
Activists gave out condoms at the entrance to the Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius, where the city’s Russian community were marking Victory over Fascism Day.
Serbia’s Vucic trolls EU with Moscow visit
Vucic seemed to be goading EU leaders on social media, posting daily updates of all the persona non gratas he'd met on the sidelines of Putin's Victory Day parade.
Turkey and China could mediate Ukraine peace talks if US withdraws, Polish foreign minister says
Turkey and China could act as potential mediators in future Ukraine peace negotiations if the United States reduces its involvement, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski said on May 8.
Russia backs Beijing's 'One China' claims over Taiwan
Taiwan is a self-governed island democracy that has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party regardless of claims to the contrary by Beijing. Despite this, China views the island as a breakaway province.