Ukraine
The EU needs to change to stay geopolitically relevant
Leading EU figures are pushing for the unanimity rule used to make important decisions to be dropped to enable faster enlargement — one of the bloc’s main tools for geopolitical influence.
Havana rejects US claims over Cuban fighters in Russia's ranks in Ukraine
Cuba's Foreign Ministry has denied allegations from Washington regarding Cuban military participation in Ukraine, as diplomatic tensions ratchet up over recruitment schemes that have allegedly sent thousands of nationals to fight for Russia.
COMMENT: Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian refineries have probably reduced throughput by 30.4%, less than headline figures suggest
Ukraine has been hitting Russian refineries and caused a fuel crisis that has spead across multiple regions. The headline figure is that oil refining has been reduced by 38% since August, but digging into it and the reduction is likely less.
MACRO ADVISORY: The unintended consequences of Western sanctions
Since 2014, Western nations have hit Russia with a total of 26,655 sanctions (to mid-September 2025), with 23,960 coming after February 2022. The largest target group, with 13,611 sanctions, is state officials, business owners, and oligarchs.
Babiš says he will axe state military aid for Ukraine if ANO forms next Czech cabinet
After his ANO party won Czechia's general election, Babis told journalists he won’t give Ukraine a single crown for weapons.
Putin arrives in Tajikistan for meetings with Central Asia, CIS leaders
Calls made for Tajiks to arrest Russian leader under international court warrant, but Dushanbe remains strategic ally of Kremlin.
Austria and Slovenia advocate qualified majority voting to unblock EU enlargement
Dropping unanimity requirement could accelerate the accession process for Ukraine, Moldova and potentially Western Balkans, but faces opposition from within the EU.
Poland and Baltic states deride former German chancellor Merkel for Ukraine war comments
Angela Merkel’s comments on Eastern European resistance to her diplomatic overtures towards Moscow before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered strong reactions in Poland and the Baltic states.
KYIV BLOG: France’s latest government collapse deepens uncertainty over Ukraine support
Under President Emmanuel Macron, France has been one of Europe’s leading advocates for a stronger, coordinated response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Kremlin resists Tomahawk transfers as Ukraine seeks long-range strike capability
Institute for the Study of War says Kremlin is fearful that expanded long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine would erode the sanctuary Russia currently enjoys in its rear.
EU nears decision on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine as divisions persist on new sanctions
Ukraine's allies warn that interest earnings from the frozen funds will not be enough to sustain its economy if the war continues into 2027.
Russia destroys Polish fashion retailer LPP's warehouse in Lviv
Warsaw-listed LPP says cooperation with multiple logistics providers means deliveries to Ukrainian stores will continue without interruption.
Afghanistan tightens control over Russian, Belarusian agents claims Ukrainian Intelligence
Afghanistan's Taliban-led government is intensifying efforts to monitor and restrict the activities of Russian and Belarusian operatives within its borders, according to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service.
Ukraine general alleges Russia employs 20,000 North Koreans in military production
North Korea has long been among Russia’s more controversial allies in the war against Ukraine, supplying artillery, missiles and troops. In late 2024, Pyongyang reportedly deployed 11,000 to 12,000 troops to aid Russia.
Ukrainian ports hit wartime record in container handling
Ukrainian ports processed 134,191 TEU in 8M25, more than during the whole of 2024, according to the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine.
Ukraine warns Poland over President Nawrocki’s bill targeting nationalist symbols
Ukraine will be “forced to take retaliatory measures” if Poland passes a bill equating Ukrainian nationalist movement with Nazism and communism, Ukrainian historians.
Ukraine cuts ties with Nicaragua over occupied territories recognition
Ukraine has severed diplomatic relations with Nicaragua after the Central American nation formally recognised Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territories.
US reportedly to share intelligence with Ukraine for long-range strikes on Russian energy sites
US to provide Ukraine with intelligence support for long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as Trump shifts stance, with Tomahawk missiles under consideration.
VISEGRAD BLOG: Will Czechia drift into Slovak and Hungarian direction after this week’s elections?
Czech populist stalwart Andrej Babiš and his ANO party are projected to make a comeback after this week's elections, raising questions about the country's future direction.
Ukraine's receipt of Israeli missiles part of Israel's greater geopolitical plot
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his country received a Patriot air defence system from Israel