Trump concluded his post by stating, “I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!” US President Donald J. Trump Surprises with Statement on Russia and Ukraine US President Donald J. Trump surprised...
U.S. sanctions on Serbia’s NIS refinery set for 1 October
The move ends months of temporary waivers and places Serbia's energy infrastructure in precarious limbo. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced on 25 September, during a media briefing in New York at the United Nations General Assembly, that U.S. sanctions against Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), Serbia’s largest oil producer and sole...
Norway boosts aid to Ukraine
As Norway’s defense spending and support for Ukraine sharply increase, Russia has taken notice. At the start of this year, Norway came under attack. Not from a hostile power, but from its traditional Nordic friends. How, they asked, could Oslo benefit so much from rising oil and gas prices following...
Europe’s security depends on Russia’s post-imperial transformation
In contrast to the former colonial powers of Western Europe, Russia has maintained a deep attachment to its imperial tradition into the 21st century. Restoring long-term stability to the European continent will require Russia to develop a robust sense of nationhood — one that respects the independence and sovereignty of...
Europe moves toward shadow fleet seizures
European authorities are no longer confining their response to Russia’s shadow fleet to sanctions lists. This year, some European port authorities began to require tangible proof of insurance and registry documentation. Finland, for example, implemented systematic checks in its exclusive economic zone on 11 December. The requirement applies to tankers...
EU Commission sued over lack of environmental transparency
On Monday (22 September), the London-based NGO ClientEarth is expected to sue the European Commission for what it says is an anti-transparency push which will weaken public scrutiny of EU decision-making. “With this legal case, we want to defend citizens’ fundamental right to know – what pesticides end up in...
Moldova’s Election: a test of Europe’s resolve
President Maia Sandu’s pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) faces a resurgent opposition in the September 28 vote, and evidence of Kremlin meddling is everywhere. The result won’t just determine who will form a government, but whether a small state can withstand Russia’s hybrid warfare — and what that means...
Hungary defies Trump’s demand to halt Russian oil
If a member state persistently breaches EU values (rule of law, democracy, human rights), Article 7 TEU allows the EU to suspend certain rights, including voting rights in the Council. But even then, the country remains a member — it does however lose influence. Perhaps it is time for Brussels...
Dubai “wallet”: how a Lukashenko ally evades EU sanctions through Lithuanian ventures
Lithuanian real estate empire In 2020, Puiki Investicija (“Great Investment”), a little-known real estate firm with minimal staff and profits, undertook an ambitious Klaipeda development project. Questions arose in the local city council about the source of its funding, with suspicions pointing to Belarusian money. The company, owned by Mohammed...
Czech opposition ANO extends poll lead ahead of 3–4 October vote
Czechia’s main opposition party, ANO, has widened its advantage over Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s ruling bloc less than three weeks before parliamentary elections. A new survey by pollster STEM for CNN Prima News places ANO on 31.3% support, with the centre-right SPOLU (Together) coalition on 20.2%. Voting will take place...