News
Slovak MPs reject prosecutors' request to strip ex-PM Fico of his immunity in Purgatory case
The vote is a huge blow to the ruling centre-right government and will greatly increase tensions within the fractious four-party coalition.
Smejc to take over as PPF chief executive
Recruitment of Smejc and billionaire Kretinsky will strengthen Czech financial group's management following the damage to its investments caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Hungary says it would veto EU’s Russian oil embargo in current form
Budapest still blocking EU consensus despite being offered extension until end of 2023.
Czechs join Slovakia and Hungary in demanding exemption from EU embargo on Russian oil
Heavily-dependent states will be allowed to buy Russian oil exports until the end of 2023, while other states have to cease crude deliveries in six months.
EU to support Moldovan army — but opposition Socialists call for Russian military presence
Moldova is seen as highly vulnerable to spillovers from the war in neighbouring Ukraine.
British management and PR services banned from Russia
The UK has banned management consultancy, PR and accountancy services from working with Russian companies. It has also added more organisations and individuals from the Russian media to its sanctions list.
Europe proposes to ban all Russian oil imports by the end of the year
The EU will sanction all Russian oil imports, both crude and refined and both oil delivered by ship and pipeline, but the ban will be “phased in in an orderly way,” EU President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on May 4.
Brussels proposes full ban on Russian oil
In proposals for its sixth sanctions package, the European Commission will suggest a total ban on all Russian oil in addition to removing Russian broadcasters from the airwaves and disconnecting Russia's largest bank from SWIFT.
“Ukraine will win!” Boris Johnson states as he speaks to Ukrainian Parliament
“Ukraine will win!” Boris Johnson states as he speaks virtually to Ukrainian Parliament.
Ukraine presents roadmap to recovery
Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko presented the roadmap for Ukraine’s economic recovery at the international conference "After the War: Rethinking the Future of Civil Society", Ukraine Business News reported on May 3.
Construction of Alexandroupolis LNG terminal launched to help reduce Balkans’ dependence on Russian gas
Greece is set to become a major gas supplier for the Balkans region, as investments aimed at achieving independence from Russian gas accelerate across Europe.
Moldova says “no signs” of Russian invasion
Defence ministry says no signs Moldova is in danger after The Times reported Russia has already decided to attack the Moldovan separatist republic of Transnistria.
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Hungary 'to continue to oppose EU sanctions on Russian oil'
Zoltan Kovacs, Hungary’s State Secretary for International Communications, says Budapest remains opposed to proposals to ban the import of Russian crude oil and natural gas into the EU.
Russia taps FX reserves to dodge bond default
The Russian finance ministry said it has paid $564.8mn and $84.4mn in foreign currency for 2022 and 2042 eurobonds to the paying agent of the London branch of Citibank.
Will landlocked Kazakhstan prove a lure for Russian beach bums?
Kazakhstan is set to become the new Turkey, according to enthusiastic sales pitches from Russian travel agencies.
Jailed Russian ex-minister Ulyukayev to be released from prison early
The jailed former Economics Minister Alexei Ulyukayev will be released from prison early, a court in Tver ruled on April 28. Ulyukayev was the first government minister to be arrested after accepting a $2mn bribe from Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin.
Spared Russian oligarch Potanin sweeps banking assets with Tinkoff deal
Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin's Interros will acquire a 35% stake in bank TCS Group from the family trust of its founder Oleg Tinkov.
Slovak government refuses to comment on speculation it will pay for Russian gas in rubles
Slovak Economy Minister Richard Sulik said the answer to this question would be made public "in due course".
Czech Archbishop Duka defends Russian soldiers over rape of Ukrainian women
Conservative head of Czech Catholic church causes outrage by asking public not to condemn Russian soldiers for atrocities they commit on Ukrainian women.
UN chief visits Kyiv
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is in Ukraine to meet President Zelenskiy. He started his visit by going to towns near Kyiv which saw particularly heavy fighting and were the sites of alleged atrocities by Russian soldiers.
