Eastern Europe / News
Russia's central bank lifts limits on foreign currency transfers abroad from December 8
Russia's central bank lifts $10,000 monthly limit on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russians and friendly-country residents from December 8
EU-US rift deepens as European leaders warn Zelenskiy not to trust Trump - Der Spiegel
Deep divisions have emerged between the US and Europe as the first serious attempt to halt the war in Ukraine gets underway. EU leaders warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy not to trust the White House, as it could “betray” Kyiv.
Russian business and banks seek to expand in India during Putin’s visit
Russia’s VEB.RF Group plans to widen its Indian footprint as Moscow seeks smoother access for Russian firms operating in the country.
Saudi Arabia grants licence to Russia's Azimuth Airlines for scheduled flights
Saudi Arabia grants Azimuth Airlines licence for scheduled flights from three Russian cities to Jeddah and Riyadh, following visa exemption agreement signed between the two countries.
EU proposes emergency powers to raise €210bn from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
The European Commission will invoke “emergency powers” to raise up to €210bn for Ukraine using frozen Russian state assets, in a move that could bypass the need for unanimous approval by member states and sidestep potential vetoes.
During Putin’s visit, Russian air defence and fighters high on Indian agenda
In 2018, India agreed to buy five S-400 battalions for $5.43bn, however two of these systems remain undelivered and delayed, likely due to Russia backfilling its own inventories due to losses and expanded requirements of its war in Ukraine.
Rahul Gandhi links Putin's India visit to claim that government is blocking opposition access to foreign dignitaries
He said the government has discouraged visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting him or other Opposition representatives, describing the practice as a departure from established norms.
Modi extends unusually personal reception as Putin begins tightly scheduled India visit
His arrival triggered an unusually personal gesture from Narendra Modi, who greeted the Russian leader at Delhi’s Palam airport before accompanying him directly to the prime ministerial residence.
Moscow cautions on expanding terror threats tied to Afghanistan and the Middle East
Russia has issued a renewed warning over what it describes as a rapidly evolving terrorist landscape driven by instability in Afghanistan and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Britain imposes sanctions on Russian military intelligence over Salisbury poisoning
Britain sanctions entire GRU military intelligence agency after inquiry concludes Putin approved 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack that killed British civilian Dawn Sturgess.
EU adds Russia to the FATF’s money laundering blacklist
The European Union has finally taken a nuclear option of adding Russia’s name to the official blacklisted as a high-risk country for money laundering and terrorism financing that will add to its financial system headaches.
Putin speaks to media ahead of India visit
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has set out a broad agenda for his much awaited trip to India, signalling continuity in Russia’s strategic partnership with New Delhi and offering rare insight into ongoing exchanges with Washington over Ukraine.
India advances $2bn submarine lease as Putin arrives in New Delhi
According to reports, India’s naval leadership has signalled that the commissioning of a new attack submarine is imminent, without elaborating.
Trump: Putin wants to do a deal, but next steps unclear
After being debriefed on the Moscow meeting between US special envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump told reporters that the Russian leader wants to do a deal, but the next steps were “unclear.”
Hungary to challenge EU plans to ban Russian oil and gas in court
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto says plan to ban EU member states' imports of Russian oil and gas from 2027 would "undermine Hungary's energy security".
Slovak Economy Minister Saková claims Bratislava negotiated extension of Russian gas imports
Slovakia has a valid contract with Gazprom until 2034 and opposes EU plans to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027.
Russian oil exports reshuffled as non-sanctioned firms offset decline from Lukoil and Rosneft
US investment bank Goldman Sachs reports that the oil exports by Russia’s recently sanctioned energy giants, Lukoil and Rosneft, have fallen by 1.1mn barrels a day, while those of non-sanctioned companies are up the same amount.
Russian embassy warns tourists to avoid photography in Iran
A warning from the Russian embassy in Tehran against photography is fuelling speculation of an undisclosed incident involving tourists. While tourism officials cite standard security protocols for military sites, the timing raises questions.
Serbia’s sole oil refinery shuts down after US sanctions block crude oil supply
NIS, majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom group, has been unable to secure new crude shipments since the sanctions took effect on October 9.
Key talks between the US and Russia to end the war in Ukraine inconclusive but positive
Key talks between the US and Russia to end the war in Ukraine on December 2 ended inconclusively but made “some progress.”