Features
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In Ukraine’s Donbas, complex questions of identity and loyalty
An unrepentantly Russian Orthodox colony now finds itself accused of wavering loyalties by Ukraine’s political leadership.
Liberty Steel's financial crisis is just the latest blow for CEE's steel industry
The woes of Liberty Steel's mills also reflect the struggle of former Communist Central and Eastern Europe’s once mighty steel sector to remain competitive.
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Lack of shipping capacity thwarts Russian LNG ambitions
Western sanctions are thwarting Russia’s planned expansion in the global LNG market.
US hit Russian banks with most effective sanctions yet
The US has unleashed two rounds of sanctions on Russia’s banks that are proving to be some of the most effective measures to curb Russia’s ability to do business yet.
KREMLIN LEAKS: how the Kremlin plans to fix the presidential elections
Leaked documents from the Kremlin have revealed details of President Vladimir Putin's meticulous plans for securing his re-election in March, VS Square reported on February 26.
Azerbaijan developing significant gold, copper and other minerals resources
The British company Anglo Asian Mining, which mines gold, silver, and copper in Azerbaijan, has completed a preliminary assessment of the mineral resources of the Kharkhar copper deposit. The country has significant deposits of many minerals.
Western Balkans is ideal nearshoring destination, says EBRD regional director
"Island within the EU" is attracting growing flows of FDI, EBRD's Matteo Colangeli tells bne IntelliNews.
Time to face some harsh realities about the war in Ukraine
The shock of Russia’s surprise invasion of Ukraine on February 24 two years ago was quickly followed by awe at the heroic defence of Kyiv, then delight as Ukrainians fought back, popping the tops of tanks and running circles around the Russians.
Soaring bank deposits in Russia’s poorest regions show where the Kremlin is recruiting its soldiers
Russia does not release information on the numbers of mobilised and recruited men, or casualties of war in Ukraine; however, the Bank of Finland institute for Emerging Economies has dug into public banking records to work out where soldiers are from.
World Bank says Emerging Europe needs tougher targets to reach net zero by 2060
New World Bank report charts path to net zero energy in Emerging Europe and Central Asia, but says current ambitions are too modest.
PANNIER: There’s 21st century "gold" in them thar Central Asian hills
Poor nations Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan hoping for a critical raw materials bonanza.
Kupiansk: Russia’s next target?
Russia seeks to exploit Ukrainian ammunition and manpower shortages, particularly in the run-up to Vladimir Putin’s ceremonial re-election in mid-March.
Fall of Avdiivka gives Russia the military initiative and Putin a political gift ahead of presidential elections
The withdrawal from Avdiivka was the correct decision to safeguard the lives of Ukrainian defenders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
Navalny's wife Yulia prepares to step into her dead husband's shoes
In a video posted on Alexey Navalny’s YouTube channel on February 20, the Russian opposition leader’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, announced that she plans to continue his work in his absence.
Opponents look to Constitutional Court and Brussels to block Slovakia's criminal justice reform
Some observers believe the EU is not yet really focussed on Slovakia or may try to avoid getting into another battle over the rule of law, which has already blighted its relations with Hungary and Poland.
Azerbaijani automotive industry motoring ahead
Russian automaker AvtoVaz is moving into Azerbaijan and in talks to set up the large-scale assembly of its famous Lada family of vehicles in the country.
Middle Eastern investors pour into Africa
Middle Eastern investment into Africa is becoming one of the most important sources of new capital, with projects valued at more than $53bn announced in 2023.
Who produces oil and gas in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is not a major exporter of energy resources, unlike neighbouring Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, though it is home to quite substantial hydrocarbon resources.
Evidence mounts Navalny didn’t die from natural causes
Evidence that opposition blogger and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny didn’t die from natural causes is mounting as more information emerges from the circumstances surrounding his death on February 16.
European legal experts add to the growing debate on the legitimacy of the sanctions on Russia’s richest men
The EU General Court in Luxembourg recently dismissed the sanctions appeal of the Uzbek-born Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's appeal against sanctions imposed on him, but legal experts polled by European Interest have criticised the ruling.