News
Russian forces surround Ukrainian army in Pokrovsk
Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold their positions in the eastern city of Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad, where Russian troops are intensifying their offensive.
Bottleneck of truck traffic on Kazakh-Russian frontier slowly clearing
Local media outlets indicate that graft may be involved.
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Poland launches mass defence training to boost war readiness
Poland is launching a nationwide voluntary defence training programme on November 22 to strengthen civilian resilience and prepare citizens for crisis situations.
South Korean lawmaker sparks outcry over country insult bill
The plan responds to a rise in public demonstrations and online posts containing derogatory language aimed at certain countries, particularly China.
Hungary expects record US investments in 2025, FM says ahead of Orbán-Trump meeting
American corporate investments totalling around HUF190bn (€490mn) will flow into Hungary this year, the highest level in a decade, reflecting the new golden era of bilateral relations since US President Donald Trump took office.
First deals struck at US-Central Asia summit include Boeing aircraft, mining and agricultural machinery agreements
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commits to visiting each of region’s five countries.
Trump signals possible India visit amid evolving energy pivot
The US President, Donald Trump, has indicated that he may visit India next year, signalling a potential deepening of ties between Washington and New Delhi and raising questions over energy and geopolitical strategy.
Opium output down in Afghanistan as synthetic drug trade increases: UN
Afghanistan’s opium cultivation fell sharply this year, yet the United Nations has warned that the country’s illicit economy is increasingly shifting towards synthetic drugs.
Serbia plans record spending ahead of Expo 2027
2026 budget prioritises infrastructure investments linked to the government’s Leap into the Future – Serbia 2027 programme.
Turkey arrests directors of fuel retailer TP after SOCAR complaint
Police describe around 18,500 tonnes of fuel as "missing".
Poland plans to become US gas hub to supply Slovakia and Ukraine
Poland will seek to become a regional distribution centre for American gas to supply neighbouring Slovakia and Ukraine, President Andrzej Nawrocki said while on a visit to Bratislava.
Bulgaria moves to seize Lukoil refinery to shield it from US sanctions
Bulgaria is preparing to take control of Russian oil company Lukoil’s Burgas refinery, the country’s only oil-processing facility, to protect it from US sanctions.
Lebanon faces year-end deadline for $250mn World Bank reconstruction loan
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber warns delays raise concerns funding could be cancelled if the loan is not approved by December 31.
Telefónica pulls out of its last Spanish-speaking markets in Latin America
Telefónica SA has entered a decisive phase of restructuring, marking a retreat from Latin America’s Spanish-speaking markets as it consolidates operations in Europe and Brazil.
Defence firms replace IT companies as key driver of Ukraine’s office real estate market
Ukraine has become an increasingly important hub for international defence firms seeking to co-develop and test weapons systems, finds consultancy UTG.
Nigeria's Ondo State announces $50bn investment framework for proposed 500,000bpd refinery, free trade zone
Ondo State signed a $50bn investment agreement with a consortium of international firms, including China Harbour Engineering Company and Honeywell OUP, to build a 500,000-bpd refinery and develop a 1,471-hectare free trade zone.
Nato chief downplays US troop withdrawal, reaffirms commitment to Romania
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to ease concerns over the recent withdrawal of a US infantry brigade from Romania.
First Russian wheat train reaches Armenia via Azerbaijan as Baku-Tbilisi route reopens after decades
Azerbaijan has lifted all post-war restrictions on freight transit to Armenia.
Serbia braces for clashes as Kosovo Serbs join protests in Belgrade
Serbs from Kosovo have arrived in Belgrade after a week-long march, joining pro-government demonstrators calling for an end to over a year of student-led blockades and anti-government protests.
Croatia sees defence industry as key driver of economic growth
Defence Minister Ivan Anušić says global demand for defence equipment has surged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, creating new openings for Croatia’s high-tech manufacturers.