Eastern Europe / News
Russian expansion will continue forever ‘as far as God wills,’ says long-time Putin ally
Russia’s territorial and ideological expansion will persist “as far as God wills”, according to Vladislav Surkov, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and long-time adviser to President Vladimir Putin.
Slovak PM Fico insists his policies are ‘sovereign’ after not blocking EU’s Ukrainian policy
Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico insisted his policies are “sovereign” after he took part in the EU summit, which he had threatened to boycott earlier.
Trump proposes taking control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants
President Trump has proposed that the US assume control of Ukraine's nuclear power plants to safeguard the country's energy infrastructure as part of a ceasefire plan, the president said during a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.
Putin tells Russia's oligarchs that the return of Western business will not be easy or cheap
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the country’s leading oligarchs that Western companies that “slammed the door” on Russia when they left the country after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine will not be allowed to repurchase their assets cheaply.
Trump gets PR win, but Putin concedes little in 30-day ceasefire phone call
US President Donald Trump gained a PR win after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy assets in a two-hour phone call on March 18.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
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.