News
Significant gains for Ukraine as troops reach the Russian border in Kharkiv region
Ukraine’s advance in the north-east is an impressive turnaround after Russian troops had attempted a siege on Kharkiv for two months.
In Nato expansion row Erdogan tells Sweden, Finland ‘Don’t bother sending delegations to Turkey’
Turkish president doubles down on opposing Nordic nations’ applications to join defence alliance.
UK sanctions Putin’s family and “girlfriend” former gymnast Kabaeva
The UK has added Russia’s President Vladimir Putin's ex-wife, cousins and alleged “girlfriend” Alina Kabaeva to the sanctions for Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, according to the announcement of Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on May 13.
Moscow plans to re-launch Moskvitch brand with Renault’s nationalised assets
French carmaker Renault will sell its 68% stake in Russia's biggest car manufacturer to the Russian government. Russian officials hail the acquisition as a way of protecting jobs, and plan to revive Soviet brand "Moskvitch" at the facility.
McDonald’s to continue operating in Russia under new name – RBK
McDonald's is reportedly planning to re-open under a new brand in Russia as soon as June.
President says Serbia suffering from refusal to join sanctions on Russia
Serbia is missing out on investments because of its stance, President Aleksandar Vucic says, but stands by decision not to join sanctions on its old ally.
Profits of Romanian gas, nuclear companies surge on high energy prices
Two state-controlled energy companies in Romania — Romgaz and Nuclearelectrica — boasted record profits in the first quarter of this year helped by the high natural gas and electricity prices.
Separatist Transnistria expects 20% economic contraction this year
Moldovan officials believe leaders in Transnistria don't want to become involved in the Ukraine war that would further devastate the region's economy, despite a strong pro-war faction.
Estonian firms move forward with LNG facility project without state support
The Paldiski terminal is expected to receive LNG from a floating terminal, ending Estonia's 80% dependence on Russian gas.
Azerbaijani activists protest against police brutality in Baku
Demonstrators protest against the lack of investigation into the attacks on government critics and journalists.
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Reports of four dead in Iran as protests spread over bread price hikes
Unrest, however, does not appear to have reached Tehran. Government may be in difficulties with its subsidy reform.
Russia dismisses report it plans to cut gas flow to Finland
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has rejected a Finnish media report that Russia is preparing to cut gas flow to the Nordic country over its decision to apply to join Nato.
Erdogan comes out against Finland, Sweden joining Nato
Turkish leader says Nordic countries are “home to many terrorist organisations”. Position may anger Western nations that have tolerated Ankara’s decision not to impose war sanctions on Moscow.
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Russian-linked businessmen bid for strategic Greek port
The Port of Alexandroupolis' privatisation comes at a time when it has assumed greater strategic importance for the US military.
EBRD 2022: Auto components manufacturing starts shift from war-afflicted Emerging Europe to North Africa
OEMs have asked manufacturers of cable harnesses to move to safer locations, such as Morocco and Tunisia.
EBRD 2022: President says it is supporting wartime commerce in Ukraine and planning for the future
EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso says it is focused on pouring help into Ukraine, but thoughts are already turning to the eventual reconstruction of the country.
Siemens to wind down Russian operations
Should Siemens indeed pull out of Russia for good, it is unclear whether alternatives to Siemens gas turbines will be provided by domestic players.
EBRD 2022: EBRD supports Ukraine’s power sector and food security
Development bank and Kyiv agree to repurpose part of an existing loan to electricity transmission company Ukrenergo to provide €50mn of emergency liquidity.
Russia’s Pussy Riot leader flees to Lithuania
Maria Alyokhina, who was banned from leaving Moscow, says she fled dressed as a meal delivery courier.
New Czech central bank governor to push for dovish monetary policy
Ales Michl, who will take charge from the July monetary council meeting, has been an outspoken opponent of interest rate hikes. This could mean the next council in June will take the opportunity to hike rates before he takes over,
