Russia
Kremlin urges France and Germany to stop Ukraine conflict crossing ‘dangerous line’
The Kremlin on Thursday (4 March) urged France and Germany to use their influence with the Ukrainian government to make sure that events in the part of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed rebels did not “cross a dangerous line”.
Russia warns West after ‘unacceptable’ sanctions
Moscow hit back at Western countries Wednesday for sanctioning senior Russian officials over the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, warning its foes "not to play with fire".
US, EU impose sanctions on Russia for Navalny poisoning, jailing
The United States on Tuesday (2 March) imposed sanctions to punish Russia for what it described as Moscow’s attempt to poison opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a nerve agent last year, in President Joe Biden’s most direct challenge yet to...
US to impose sanctions on Russia for Navalny poisoning: report
US President Joe Biden's administration is preparing to impose sanctions on Russia for the poisoning and imprisonment of Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, CNN reported Monday.
Navalny’s penal colony, a Kremlin weapon to ‘break’ him
Until last week, the provincial town of Pokrov outside Moscow, lined with Soviet-era residential blocks and teetering wooden homes, had only one claim to fame: a monument to chocolate.
Hungarian PM receives Chinese vaccine as government ramps up rollout
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been vaccinated with a coronavirus vaccine developed by China's Sinopharm, Orbán announced on his official Facebook page on Sunday (28 February) as the country tries to accelerate its vaccination programme.
Chinese coronavirus jab brings relief, and concern in Hungary
We should be happy to get any vaccine," said Laszlo Cservak, a pensioner queueing in Budapest for China's Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine shot after Hungary became the first EU member to start using it.
Diplomats say Borrell apologised for Moscow visit, Commission denies
The EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell admitted to EU foreign ministers at a meeting earlier this week that he had mishandled the recent visit to Moscow, diplomatic sources have told EURACTIV. The European Commission did not confirm this but stressed there had been broad support for the veteran Spanish diplomat.
Russia’s Lavrov slams West for pandemic ‘selfishness’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lambasted the West for failing to unite globally in the fight against the pandemic and its economic fallout, in an address to the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday (24 February).
Russia increases fines for protest violations after Navalny rallies
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved legislation on Wednesday (24 February) beefing up fines for offences committed during street protests after thousands were detained at unsanctioned rallies in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
US pressure drives 18 European companies away from Nord Stream 2
The US government is confident its sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany will have an impact. In a document obtained by EURACTIV Germany, the State Department lists 18 European companies that have already ended their cooperation with the project. EURACTIV Germany reports.
San Marino turns to Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine
San Marino on Tuesday (23 February) received a first batch of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines, government officials said, allowing the tiny state landlocked inside Italy to start its immunisation campaign.
EU says it does not need Nord Stream 2, but only Germany can block it
The European Union does not need the Nord Stream 2 pipeline for its energy security but any decision to stop the project carrying Russian natural gas to Germany would have to come from Berlin, a senior European Commission said.
Twitter removes hundreds of accounts linked to Iran, Russia, Armenia
Twitter said on Tuesday (23 February) it had taken down 373 accounts which it said had ties to Russia, Armenia and Iran and had breached its platform manipulation policies.
Ukraine takes Russia to Europe court over ‘targeted assassinations’
Ukraine has accused Russia of targeted assassinations of "perceived opponents" in a case lodged at the European Court of Human Rights, the latest salvo by Kyiv in a barrage of legal complaints against Moscow.
US sees progress against Nord Stream 2 amid calls for more action
The United States said Monday (22 February) it had seen progress from European companies moving out of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany, but critics urged stronger action.
Russia blasts EU sanctions over Navalny crackdown
Russia's foreign ministry on Monday (22 February) blasted the European Union's decision to impose sanctions on Russian officials over the crackdown on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his supporters.
Ukraine accuses Russian networks of new massive cyber attacks
Ukraine on Monday (22 February) accused unnamed Russian internet networks of massive attacks on Ukrainian security and defence websites, but gave no details of any damage done or say who it believed was behind the assault.
The Brief, powered by APPLIA – Russian roulette
EU ministers are meeting today (22 February) to discuss sanctions ranging from putting individual people on a blacklist to the “full monty” of more economic sanctions.
Hit Putin where it hurts, Navalny’s associates say
The EU should target Russian President Vladimir Putin's close circle of people and 'hit him where it hurts', two close associates of imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny said on Monday (22 February). They also warned of the increasing influence of corrupted Russian money in Europe.
EU ministers set to sanction Russia, speak with Blinken
EU foreign ministers are meeting on Monday (22 February) to agree on fresh restrictive measures in relation with Russia’s crackdown on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his supporters, having to chose between targeted sanctions and ‘the full Monty’, including economic...
Slovak party derails plan to buy Russian vaccine without EU registration
Slovakia has dumped a plan to negotiate with Russia to buy the Sputnik V vaccine, after a junior coalition partner vetoed buying a product which has not been registered by the European Medicines Agency, Prime Minister Igor Matovič said.
EU to impose sanctions on Russians over Navalny by March summit
The European Union is set to impose travel bans and asset freezes on allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, possibly in the run-up to an EU summit, after a meeting of envoys gave approval for punitive measures.