News
Bulgaria and Romania seek to delay sanctions against Lukoil
Sanctions imposed by US authorities on Lukoil's global operations expected to cause costly disruptions at the Russian group's local refineries.
Iran’s oil sales hit seven-year high despite tougher US sanctions
Iran’s crude oil exports have climbed to their highest level in seven years in defiance of tightening US sanctions, maritime tracking service TankerTrackers said.
Serbia’s parliament approves law clearing way for Kushner-backed Belgrade project
Lex specialis enables construction of a $500mn luxury hotel and residential complex backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
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North Korea issues warning to the US and South Korea
The ruling authorities in North Korea have issued a stark warning of “more offensive action” in response to intensified military cooperation between South Korea and the United States, signalling a further deterioration in regional dynamics.
Russian oil output sees growth in October, but federal revenues crash
Russia’s crude oil output increased modestly in October even as state revenues from the oil and gas sector continued to decline sharply.
US President Trump says open to hearing Iran sanctions relief requests
US President Trump says he is open to hearing Iran's sanctions relief requests whilst extending national emergency status for another year. Iran's Supreme Leader says cooperation impossible whilst US supports Israel.
US slams “Kremlin puppet’s” Gunvor Lukoil asset deal
The US doubled down on its latest sanctions by appearing to cancel Gunvor’s deal with Russian oil major Lukoil, labelling the trader a “Kremlin puppet.”
Russian forces surround Ukrainian army in Pokrovsk
Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold their positions in the eastern city of Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad, where Russian troops are intensifying their offensive.
Bottleneck of truck traffic on Kazakh-Russian frontier slowly clearing
Local media outlets indicate that graft may be involved.
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Poland launches mass defence training to boost war readiness
Poland is launching a nationwide voluntary defence training programme on November 22 to strengthen civilian resilience and prepare citizens for crisis situations.
South Korean lawmaker sparks outcry over country insult bill
The plan responds to a rise in public demonstrations and online posts containing derogatory language aimed at certain countries, particularly China.
Hungary expects record US investments in 2025, FM says ahead of Orbán-Trump meeting
American corporate investments totalling around HUF190bn (€490mn) will flow into Hungary this year, the highest level in a decade, reflecting the new golden era of bilateral relations since US President Donald Trump took office.
First deals struck at US-Central Asia summit include Boeing aircraft, mining and agricultural machinery agreements
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commits to visiting each of region’s five countries.
Trump signals possible India visit amid evolving energy pivot
The US President, Donald Trump, has indicated that he may visit India next year, signalling a potential deepening of ties between Washington and New Delhi and raising questions over energy and geopolitical strategy.
Opium output down in Afghanistan as synthetic drug trade increases: UN
Afghanistan’s opium cultivation fell sharply this year, yet the United Nations has warned that the country’s illicit economy is increasingly shifting towards synthetic drugs.
Serbia plans record spending ahead of Expo 2027
2026 budget prioritises infrastructure investments linked to the government’s Leap into the Future – Serbia 2027 programme.
Turkey arrests directors of fuel retailer TP after SOCAR complaint
Police describe around 18,500 tonnes of fuel as "missing".
Poland plans to become US gas hub to supply Slovakia and Ukraine
Poland will seek to become a regional distribution centre for American gas to supply neighbouring Slovakia and Ukraine, President Andrzej Nawrocki said while on a visit to Bratislava.
Bulgaria moves to seize Lukoil refinery to shield it from US sanctions
Bulgaria is preparing to take control of Russian oil company Lukoil’s Burgas refinery, the country’s only oil-processing facility, to protect it from US sanctions.
Lebanon faces year-end deadline for $250mn World Bank reconstruction loan
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber warns delays raise concerns funding could be cancelled if the loan is not approved by December 31.