Eastern Europe / News
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.
Trump reportedly unlikely to resume Ukraine military aid even with minerals deal
Donald Trump has privately informed his aides that he does not intend to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, NBC News sources revealed ahead of Jeddah summit.
Viktor Orban warns against Ukraine's EU membership, says economic package with US is in the pipeline
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the admission of Ukraine to the EU would destabilise Europe's economy and its financial stability.
Mass protests against PM Fico’s pro-Russian turn continue across Slovakia
Mass protests in Slovakia against the left-right cabinet of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico continued with rallies under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe” held in more than 40 cities and towns across the country.
Russian state media stops calling Americans “Anglo-Saxons” after Kremlin directive
Russian state media outlets have abruptly ceased using the term “Anglo-Saxons” to refer to Americans following Kremlin orders to moderate their language.
EU sends more troops to Bosnia to "maintain safety and security"
Growing risk of violent clashes between Republika Srpska and the state-level authorities prompt increase in EUFOR presence.
Ukrainian troops in Kursk region face encirclement as Russia steps up attacks ahead of crucial talks with US
Ukraine’s position in Kursk deteriorated rapidly as Russian forces recaptured territory in a counteroffensive that has nearly split the Ukrainian contingent in two and severed key supply lines.
Vucic and Putin discuss US sanctions on NIS, new gas contact
Serbia, which maintains strong historical ties with Russia, has walked a delicate line between its allegiance to Moscow and its aspirations to join the EU.
Turkey backs call for Ukraine War air, sea truce
Poland’s Donald Tusk, meanwhile, speaks of diplomatic offensive to find new security format in Europe that would include involving Turkish forces in a closer role.
Trump-Zelenskiy meeting shows "humiliation" awaits US allies, says Iran prayer leader
Tehran's interim Friday prayer leader said that Trump's treatment of President Zelenskiy demonstrated the humiliating fate that awaits those who submit to American influence.
Slovakia’s PM Fico backs EU resolution on Ukraine defence despite veto threat
Robert Fico had threatened to block the EU summit unless the conclusions contained a provision about the renewal of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.
Lukashenko jumps on the exploration of rare earth metals bandwagon
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has jumped on the rare earth metal bandwagon and called for intensified efforts to explore and develop deposits within the country.
EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine
EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.
Ukraine faces mounting challenges as US halts military aid, prospect of security guarantees dims
Following a disastrous meeting with President Trump in the White House on February 28 and the subsequent halting of US military aid to Ukraine, the country’s leadership has dug in its heels about prioritising security guarantees from the West.
Russian anti-war rapper Oxxxymiron accused of grooming and sexual assault
Russian rapper Oxxxymiron (real name Miron Fyodorov), known for his opposition to the Kremlin and the war in Ukraine, has been accused of grooming and sexually assaulting underage girls.