News

Ukrainian drone strikes Kazakhstan’s main oil export pipeline route in Russia

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

Attack comes on same day Hungarian and Kazakh top diplomats back idea of Ukraine conflict talks between Putin and Trump.

Poland’s Tusk warns European allies against making “empty promises” to Ukraine again

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

Europe must not make “empty promises” on security to Ukraine again, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters on February 17 just before flying to Paris for an emergency meeting of key European allies.

Uzbekistan unveils measures to invest more in youth

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

Around 60% of Uzbekistan’s fast-growing population is under the age of 30, with over 30% under the age of 14.

INTERVIEW: Kandice Ardiel, UNIFIL's deputy spokesperson in Lebanon

Josiane Hajj Moussa for bne Beirut bureau February 17, 2025

A series of interconnected events has heightened tensions in Lebanon this weekend, beginning with a violent attack on United Nations peacekeepers that has drawn international condemnation.

Southeast Europe’s far right revel in Vance’s attack on Europe

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow February 17, 2025

Right-wing and pro-Russian politicians across Southeast Europe applauded US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of the European Union at the Munich Security Conference.

Hungarian e-commerce platforms falling behind regional peers on local turf

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

The Hungarian e-commerce market grew by 15% to HUF1.92 trillion (€4.8bn) in 2024, while sales generated by Hungarian and EU-based retailers increased at a slower pace, rising 10% to HUF1.6 trillion.

Hungary's opposition leader kicks off campaign at Tisza Party’s first congress with sweeping reform pledges

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

Peter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza Party, delivered a scathing critique of the current political establishment and presented some clues to his party's election programme, with a focus on tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

Poland navigates alliance with US amid Trump’s diplomatic shake-up

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

Poland reaffirmed the long-standing commitment to its alliance with the United States as newly appointed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Warsaw on February 14 – his first bilateral trip since taking office.

US threatens troop deployment to Ukraine if Russia resists peace talks

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

The United States may impose stricter sanctions and consider deploying troops to Ukraine if Moscow refuses to engage in meaningful negotiations to end the war, US Vice President JD Vance has warned.

Valentine’s Day Is a ‘spiritual venereal disease,' Russian MP Says

bne IntelliNews February 17, 2025

Valentine’s Day is a "spiritual venereal disease" and a form of "cultural sabotage" against Russia, according to Vitaly Milonov, a controversial deputy in Russia's State Duma

Abkhazia presidential election goes to runoff after no candidate secures majority

Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi February 16, 2025

Kremlin-backed Badra Gunba will face opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba in the second round.

Serbs hold mass protest in Kragujevac on Statehood Day

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade February 16, 2025

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Kragujevac, central Serbia, as anti-corruption demonstrations show no signs of abating.

Argentina’s Milei faces impeachment calls over alleged massive crypto scam

bne IntelliNews February 16, 2025

Argentina's President Javier Milei could be subjected to impeachment proceedings after promoting a cryptocurrency that spectacularly crashed hours after his endorsement, wiping billions from its value.

Kyrgyzstan’s anthem “too difficult to sing”, contest called to compose another

bne IntelliNews February 16, 2025

$17,000 prize awaits winning entry. Don’t be shy.

Saudi NHC and PIF sign supply chain cooperation agreement

bnm Gulf bureau February 16, 2025

The National Housing Company (NHC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to strengthen real estate supply chain initiatives.

US aid cutoff raises fears of Afghan economic collapse

bnm Tehran bureau February 16, 2025

Afghanistan's economy is in freefall as the new Trump administration pulls the remaining US aid to the country.

US and Israel vow to prevent nuclear Iran as Rubio makes first Middle East visit

bnm Tel Aviv bureau February 16, 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Tel Aviv on the evening of February 15, marking his first visit to the Middle East since taking office, as negotiations continue for the release of six remaining hostages and tackle Iran's influence.

Poland to play key role in EU Paris meeting to counter Trump’s Ukraine talks exclusion

Ben Aris in Berlin February 16, 2025

Poland was the poor second cousin to its EU peers when it first joined the EU two decades ago. But a flourishing economy, its frontline position and growing military might means it’s been promoted to the top table in EU affairs.

Europe out of Ukraine ceasefire talks

Ben Aris in Berlin February 16, 2025

When asked if Europe will be at the table in the upcoming US-Russia negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, US special envoy to Ukraine retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said “no.”

Trump's USAID freeze threatens Mexico's refugee support network

Frankie Mills in Mexico City February 15, 2025

US President Trump's decision to freeze USAID funding for 90 days from January 23 has dealt a severe blow to humanitarian organisations supporting refugees in Mexico.

Dismiss