Eastern Europe / News
CAR mercenary becomes first African to die in Ukraine conflict
Derrick Ngamana, a 32-year-old from the Central African Republic (CAR), has been confirmed as the first African mercenary to die while fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
Russia considers banning children from social media over ‘anti-Russian propaganda’
Russian lawmakers have proposed banning children under 14 from social media, claiming they are being exposed to "anti-Russian propaganda" and other harmful content online.
British PM Starmer signs '100-year partnership' with Ukraine in Kyiv
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Kyiv on January 16, where he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a landmark "100-Year Partnership" treaty aimed at deepening ties in security, energy, science, and trade.
Polish President Duda says Ukraine should join Nato as soon as possible
Ukraine’s best option to ensure national security will be to join Nato in the “near future,” President Andrzej Duda said on January 15 as he hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Warsaw.
Spike in Czech beer exports to Russia highlights cracks in Moscow-bound trade and businesses
Czechia’s exports of beer increased year on year in 2024, which was the first spike in beer exports to Russia after a slump caused by Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent severing of business links to Russia.
Russia backs Vietnam's bid to join BRICS
Russia has publicly endorsed Vietnam's aspirations to join the influential BRICS bloc, a move that could significantly bolster Hanoi's global standing and economic prospects.
Poland's Tusk warns of Russian airline bomb terror campaign, promises to speed Ukraine's EU membership
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia is planning a terror campaign of bombs on “airlines around the world” at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during his visit to Poland on January 15.
Russian presidential adviser warns Moldova may “cease to exist”
Influential Russian presidential advisor Nikolai Patrushev uses unprecedentedly aggressive rhetoric against Moldova, saying it may "become part of another state or ... cease to exist".
Czechia wraps up work on pipeline expansion to end reliance on Russian oil
Czechia is on track to end its reliance on Russian oil within the next few months following the completion of key technical work on the TAL-PLUS oil pipeline expansion.
Putin-Trump summit planned — but where will it happen?
Both Serbia and Switzerland have offered to host talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US president-elect Donald Trump.
Russia’s war machine fed by free-flowing exports of Uzbek “guncotton” pulp, say reports
Shipments vital to nitrocellulose production used as explosive and propellant in shells, rockets and missiles.
Trump to hold talks with Putin in coming days, national security adviser reveals
US President-elect Donald Trump is planning a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days or weeks, according to Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser.
Bolivia's lithium deals with Russia, China raise sovereignty concerns as state bears heavy risks
Bolivia's ambitious push to industrialise its vast lithium reserves has raised alarms over the risks assumed by the state in agreements with foreign companies.
Russia labels media outlet as ‘terrorist organisation’ for first time ever
Russia’s Supreme Court has declared regional media outlet Komi Daily a terrorist organisation – the first time such a designation has been applied to a publication.
Serbia plans to buy out Russian stake in NIS following US sanctions
Sanctions reignited debates over Serbia’s foreign policy, as the country navigates its historic ties with Russia while facing Western pressure to align with EU and Nato policies.
US imposes toughest oil sanctions ever on Russia to improve Ukraine and Trump’s leverage in mooted ceasefire talks
The Biden administration has unveiled its most extensive sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas business yet in a bid to give Ukraine and the incoming Trump admiration more leverage in widely expected ceasefire talks that may start soon.
Slovakia’s Fico steps up anti-Ukraine rhetoric over gas cut-off
Slovak premier threatens to veto Ukraine votes at EU level.
EBRD delivers 26% expansion in investments in 2024, commits record €16.6bn across economies
Lender notes strong momentum in green and gender financing, in parallel with steadfast support for Ukraine and its real economy.
Inspired by Trump, Bulgarian far-right leader wants to annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov says North Macedonia and the Ukrainian part of Southern Bessarabia should be added to Bulgaria.
Putin seizes Russia beer market JV of Brussels-listed AB InBev and Istanbul-listed Efes
Kremlin rejects Belgian and Turkish partners’ plan to in face of sanctions swap Russia and Ukraine stakes.