Eastern Europe / News
Russia and China’s grip tightens on Bolivia’s nuclear and lithium dreams
Bolivia has taken significant strides to secure its place in the global nuclear and lithium sectors through partnerships with Russia and China.
Kazakhstan: Wheat exports experience a big dip
Country’s farmers being undercut by Russia.
Russian state-run broadcasters sue YouTube for $21 decillion
Seventeen Russian state-affiliated broadcasters are demanding RUB2 undecillion ($21 decillion) – a number with 36 zeros – from Google over YouTube’s ongoing restrictions on their channels, a claim that escalates a dispute dating back to 2020.
Russia introduces amnesty for illegal guns to boost supply for Ukraine war
Russia's National Guard (Rosgvardia) has launched an amnesty programme allowing citizens to surrender firearms and avoid penalties for minor firearm-related infractions, as it seeks to cheaply supplement military supplies at the front in Ukraine.
Thousands flood on to streets of Tbilisi to protest against elections “fixed by Moscow”
President tells crowd that ruling party “stole your vote”. Hungary’s PM Orban, who arrived to congratulate Georgian Dream on their “victory”, booed when seen outside hotel.
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Poland says construction of “East Shield” border fortifications to kick off within days
“East Shield” system to protect Poland’s border with Belarus and Russia.
North Korean troops deployed to Ukrainian front line, Nato says
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte called the deployment of North Korean troops a "dangerous expansion" of Russia's war in Ukraine.
President says Georgian election was targeted by Russian ‘special operation’
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili calls general election that delivered victory to Georgian Dream a “total falsification”.
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Russia’s CBR ramps key rate to record-high 21%
The board of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) at its October 25 policy meeting resolved to hike the key interest rate by 200 basis points from 19% to a record-high 21%.
Ukrainian dollar bonds rise as investors hope for Trump-fuelled end to war
Ukrainian dollar bonds were up by nearly 6% in October as investors believe a potential victory for former US president Donald Trump could accelerate efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Russia allegedly spent $39mn to buy votes in Moldova
Moldovan police reveal vote-buying scheme with funds channeled through Promsvyazbank app ahead of pro-EU referendum.
Indonesia's potential BRICS membership could strengthen global south influence
Under Russia's leadership, the BRICS+ alliance has attracted over 30 countries worldwide, drawn by its potential to enhance geopolitical standing and expand economic influence, particularly in non-Western markets
Ukraine’s national debt set to exceed 100% of GDP by 2025 as it expects more financial aid
IMF estimates that Ukraine's debt will reach 95.6% of GDP this year and rise to 106.6% by 2025.
Vietnam PM proposes five connections to strengthen BRICS cooperation
Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in his address at the expanded BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, called for a comprehensive, people-centred approach to tackling global challenges
Belarus’ Lukashenko sets polling date for probable re-election
Belarus will hold its next presidential election on 26 January, according to the country's Central Election Commission.This will be the first presidential vote since the contested 2020 election.
Russia's advances in eastern Ukraine threaten country's steel industry, key coal mine
Metinvest's mine in Pokrovsk is the biggest coking coal producer in Ukraine and one of the largest in Eastern Europe.
South Korea eyes weapon supply to Ukraine amid North Korea-Russia alliance
South Korea is contemplating the direct supply of weapons to Ukraine as it responds to escalating military ties between North Korea and Russia
SIBUR wins sanctions-related disputes in Europe
Austrian court overturns the freezing of the company’s assets.
Maduro’s BRICS ambitions hit Brazilian roadblock as Kremlin denies expansion talks
In a blow to President Nicolas Maduro, Brazil's chief presidential adviser Celso Amorim has expressed opposition to Venezuela's bid to join the BRICS economic bloc, while the Kremlin stated that expansion is not on the agenda at the Kazan summit.
China's Xi Jinping arrives at BRICS with a Russian fighter escort
President Xi Jinping has arrived in Kazan ahead of the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting, where his plane was notably escorted by Russian fighter jets, signalling the significance of this summit amid escalating global tensions