Eastern-Central Europe
Hungarian Prime Minister Faces Backlash After Meeting with Putin
In a controversial move, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2023. Orbán, the leader of Hungary’s right-wing party FIDESZ, was even photographed shaking hands with Putin, drawing the ire of other Western leaders.
Amidst Migration Wave, Slew of Central European States Reintroduce Border Controls
In a sharp reversal of trends since the COVID-19 pandemic, Central European Schengen area countries (i.e. European Union member states who have joined the visa-free and, essentially, internal border-free zone) have opted to reintroduce border controls of various intensity temporarily.
German Elections Cast Poor Forecast for Kyiv
In the run-up to the election, the public media network Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) showed that 41% of respondents thought that Ukraine should accept territorial concessions to Moscow, should it mean an end to the conflict.
Explosions Over Kremlin Increase Tensions
The Russian government blamed Ukraine for an apparent drone attack above its capital building.
Russian Opposition Figure Vladimir Kara-Murza Jailed for 25 years
On Monday, April 17, Moscow City Court sentenced opposition activist and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in a strict regime penal colony after finding him guilty of spreading 'fakes' about the Russian army, operating an 'undesirable' organization for working with the Open Russia Foundation, and committing high treason.
Russia Reacts to Finland NATO membership
Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) last Tuesday after remaining militarily non-aligned since the end of the Second World War.
Protests in Tbilisi Against Pro-Russian Georgian Government
Thousands of opposition supporters gathered outside the Georgian parliament to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.
Russia Takes Presidency of United Nations Security Council
On April 1, the Russian Federation took hold of the presidency over the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
Trial of Former Kosovo President Accused of War Crimes Begins in The Hague
The trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who has led the partially recognized republic since 2016 and resigned in November 2020, began on Monday, April 3, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Russia to Deploy Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus
On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his intention to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus.
Slovakia Sends First of Thirteen MiG-29 Jets After Poland Pledges Four
Last week on Friday, March 17, Slovakia announced that it would be providing 13 MiG-29 jet fighters to Ukraine; this came only a day after Poland had pledged four.
New Intelligence Revealed About the Nord Stream Pipeline Attack
US officials have received new intelligence that suggests that a pro-Ukraine group was responsible for the North Stream pipeline attacks.
Ethnic Tensions Rise in Kosovo
Kosovo’s political leaders announced this weekend that upcoming local elections will be postponed until early next spring in several northern municipalities.
Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid Receives Bloody Package Containing Animal Eyes
The Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid received a “bloody package” containing animal eyes last Friday, Dec. 2, after receiving a letter bomb earlier that week.
EU Reaches Agreement on Russian Oil Sanctions
The European Commission overcame its last hurdle in putting into place its Russian oil price cap this week.
Belarus Foreign Minister Suddenly Dead
On Saturday, Nov. 26, Belarusian state media BelTa reported that Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei has died.
Missile Strike in Poland Threatens War in Europe
On Nov. 15, 2022, a missile landed in Polish territory close to the Polish-Ukrainian border, scrambling the military and diplomatic counterparts of NATO, Poland, Russia, and the U.S.
Czechs Continue Checks at Slovak Border
Travelers from Slovakia are frustrated over border controls that remain in place by the Czech Republic.
Celebrations Continue Amidst Liberation of Kherson
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Nov.11 that “Kherson is [Ukrainian]” after Russia effectively withdrew from the southern city– the only provincial capital to be captured by Moscow since the invasion began.
EU Audit Reveals Deficiencies in Climate Change Transition Fund
Nov. 9, 2022, the European Court of Auditors released its report on the effectiveness of the European Union’s support for phasing out coal production.