Russia
Hit indirectly by sanctions, Mongolia struggles to find workarounds
Landlocked country in awkward position of trying to maintain neutrality while dependent on Russia for fuel and heavily reliant on China for export revenues and consumer products.
Fico calls for security guarantees for Russia on Kremlin propaganda channel
Slovak premier reiterated that he would like to come to Moscow to take part in the celebrations of the anniversary of the end of World War II in May.
Ukraine faces grim situation in Donetsk as Russian forces advance, analysts warn
Russian President Vladimir Putin has long stated his aim of capturing the entire Donbas region.
Tougher rules prompt foreign companies to call off Russia exit plans
Russia is likely to put more strain on foreign companies still operating in the country and raise the “exit tax” for those that decide to pull out.
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.
TAL pipeline expansion nears finish, offering Czech Republic a future free of Russian oil
The project aimed at replacing Russian crude is being achieved in “an incredibly short period”, the CEO of the Czech Republic’s state oil pipeline operator told NewsBase.
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Planet-heating emissions reach new record in 2023, says WMO report
Greenhouse gas levels surged to a new record in 2023, committing the planet to rising temperatures for many years to come, according to a report from the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
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%.
HESS: Mongolia’s unique success story between rock and a hard place at risk
Surrounded by Russia and China, country’s democracy and economy deserve Western support. But snatching assets from foreign investors would mean such backing falling by the wayside.
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
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
PANNIER: Sparks fly in Moscow, Tashkent relations as consulate calls on Uzbeks to stay out of Russian Army
Tensions rise further as lawmaker rebuffs idea of Uzbekistan joining Russia-led trade bloc, two days after Kazakhstan’s “No” to BRICS.