Eastern Europe / News
Trump sets 100-day deadline for Ukraine peace, Zelenskiy seeks US guarantees
US President Donald Trump has tasked his special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, with ending the war in Ukraine within 100 days.
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Russia arrests Colombian fighter in occupied Kursk as mercenary crackdown widens
A Colombian citizen has been detained near the village of Alexandria in Russia's Kursk region on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity, as both Moscow and Kyiv grapple with the growing presence of foreign fighters in their ranks.
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Putin faces mounting economic challenges amid pressure for Ukraine peace talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin is under increasing pressure to address Russia’s deepening economic woes as US President Donald Trump intensifies calls for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.
Trump warns Putin of severe economic measures without swift Ukraine peace deal
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening severe economic measures unless a peace agreement is reached to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin and Xi reaffirm partnership just hours after Trump’s inauguration
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly reaffirmed their nations’ “no limits” partnership during a phone call on January 20, shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the US.
Russia and Armenia seek to ease strained relations
Foreign ministers meet in Moscow after Yerevan announced plans to join EU and signed strategic partnership with the US.
Bali shuts down "Russian Village"
The Gianyar Regency Government of Bali officially closed PARQ Ubud, also referred to as "The Russian Village," on January 20 for breaching local regulations.
Cocaine smuggling into Russia has risen TENFOLD since invasion of Ukraine
The volume of cocaine seized by Russian authorities has surged since the country launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reflecting a significant shift in international smuggling routes and techniques.
North Korea rejects Belarus summit proposal, calls for clarity in relations
In a rare public statement, Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister and influential political figure, has clarified her country’s stance on a proposed summit with Belarus
Putin congratulates Trump, signals hope for improved US-Russia relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 45th president of the United States, expressing hope for a more constructive relationship than with the outgoing administration led by Joe Biden.
Antidepressant sales in Russia hit record high amidst growing war stress
Sales of antidepressants in Russia soared to an unprecedented 16.1mn packages from January to November 2024, a year-on-year increase of 16.8%, according to data from DSM Group.
The Bavarian branch of far-right AfD party calls for all Ukrainian refugees to be expelled from Germany
The Bavarian branch of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has proposed deporting all 1.2mn Ukrainian war refugees living in Germany, claiming there is “room enough” in Ukraine to accommodate them if they could return.
Iran seeks to expand nuclear power cooperation with Russia's Rosatom
Iran has expressed interest in building a new nuclear power plant in cooperation with Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, the company's CEO Alexei Likhachev said.
Moldovagaz’s head says $709mn debt to Gazprom close to being settled
Gazprom cited a $709mn outstanding debt when it cut gas supplies to Moldova on January 1, but Chisinau says the debt is only $8.7mn.
War in Ukraine started as punishment for masturbation, says Russian Orthodox Church
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was caused by societal moral decay, including a widespread indulgence in sinful behaviour such as masturbation, a senior figure in the Russian Orthodox Church has claimed.
Russia reports successful strikes against critical Ukrainian gas and energy infrastructure
Russia’s armed forces conducted a co-ordinated strike on critical gas and energy infrastructure in Ukraine using high-precision weapons and drones.
UPDATED: Iran, Russia sign long-awaited strategic partnership deal
Presidents of Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal during a meeting in Moscow on January 17, marking a new era of cooperation.
VTB aims to open first Russian bank in Iran by end of 2025
Russia's second-largest bank VTB plans to open a bank in Iran by the end of 2025, pending approval from Iranian regulators.
Iranian president begins Russia visit with wreath-laying ceremony
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian began his official visit to Russia on January 17 by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow's Alexander Garden, ahead of crucial talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskiy seeking security guarantees from European leaders with little luck
In a string of meetings with European leaders this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been met with warm words and promises of support, but he did not get the one things he really wants and needs: concrete security guarantees.