Russia
Greece and Russia exchange furious statements over Macedonia
The Russian foreign ministry published on Tuesday (14 January) a statement voicing concern about “instability” in Greece following the ratification of the recent change of the constitution in Macedonia. Greece retorted with a warning to Russia not to interfere in its internal affairs.
Russian MPs prolong payments freeze to Council of Europe
Russia's parliament voted Thursday (17 January) against sending delegates or paying contributions to the Council of Europe, increasing the risk of ultimate exclusion from the rights body and the European Court of Human Rights.
Putin calls for ‘stable Balkans’ during Serbia visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (17 January) called for stability in the Balkans during a pageantry-filled visit to Serbia, a key Moscow ally.
Kazakhstan advocates closer ties between EU and Eurasian Economic Union
A senior official from Kazakhstan, one of the five members of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), has called for greater cooperation between EEAU and the EU, ultimately aiming to create a single economic space from the Atlantic to Pacific. But a Commission spokesperson made clear it could only be a long-term goal, depending on political developments.
EU envoys agree sanctions on Russians accused of Skripals’ poisoning
European Union ambassadors agreed on Wednesday (16 January) to impose sanctions on nine individuals and one entity accused of chemical weapons attacks, including two Russian men blamed for poisoning a former Russian double agent in Britain, two diplomats said.
Putin to receive a rock star welcome in Belgrade
With T-shirts, mugs and murals bearing his face, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to receive a rock star welcome on Thursday (17 January) when he lands in Serbia, Moscow's key ally on the edge of Europe.
Trump a Russian agent? ‘Never,’ he says
Standing outside the snow-covered White House on Monday (14 January), Donald Trump made an astonishing declaration for a US president: no, he has never been an agent of Russia.
US threatens EU companies with sanctions over Nord Steam 2, Turkish Stream
A transatlantic tiff over Europe’s natural gas supply came to the boil on Sunday (13 January), as Donald Trump’s ambassador to Germany threatened firms involved in a pipeline from Russia with sanctions. At stake is a mixture of economic and security interests...
Russia ditches dollar, opts for euro and yuan
A report by the Bank of Russia published late on Wednesday (9 January) reveals that the country dumped $101 in US holdings from its reserves, shifting into euros and yuan last spring amid a new round of US sanctions.
Ukraine Orthodox Church obtains independence from Moscow
The spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide on Sunday (6 January) presented the head of the Ukrainian church with a decree granting it independence from Moscow, a historic split strongly opposed by Russia.
Putin accuses US of raising risk of nuclear war
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (20 December) accused the United States of raising the risk of nuclear war by threatening to spurn a key arms control treaty and refusing to hold talks about another pact that expires soon.
Dutch may take Russia to court over MH17
The Netherlands is considering dragging Russia to an international court over the downing of flight MH17 after talks over responsibility ground to an impasse, the Dutch foreign minister said Thursday (20 December).
Russia’s Chechnya model for Syria will only deepen the conflict
Today, Chechnya is a police state, likely the most brutal anywhere in Europe, that rules through extreme repression. The same future is reserved to Syria, writes Neil Hauer.
Allies stunned, Russia delighted at Trump’s decision to withdraw from Syria
US President Donald Trump overrode his top national security aides, blindsided US ground commanders, and stunned lawmakers and allies with his order for US troops to leave Syria, a decision that upends American policy in the Middle East.
Putin lays out plans to develop missiles if US leaves treaty
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (18 December) laid out plans for Moscow to develop mid-range missiles banned under a Cold War treaty with the United States if Washington abandons the deal.
Pashinyan: the Providential Man to solve Armenia’s problems?
A political earthquake hit Europe’s furthest far-flung frontier last week, as Armenians voted in what has been labelled their nation’s first free and transparent elections. But just who is the revolutionary leader that has captured the hearts of Armenia’s inhabitants?
Russia used social media for widespread meddling in US politics, reports say
Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election on social media was more widespread than previously thought and included attempts to divide Americans by race and extreme ideology, said reports by private experts released on Monday (17 December) by US senators from both parties.
US accepts Assad staying in power but won’t give aid
The United States said Monday (17 December) it was no longer seeking to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad but renewed warnings it would not fund reconstruction unless the regime is "fundamentally different."
NATO: Baku is ‘perfect venue’ for talking to Russia
Azerbaijan's capital Baku has once again been the venue for a meeting between the top brass of Russia and US, at a time when relations between the two military superpowers are at a new low.
No new sanctions on Russia at EU summit over Azov Sea
European Union leaders will offer Ukraine help for its regions affected by Russia's actions in the Azov Sea when they meet on Thursday (13 December), but no new sanctions on Russia will be imposed.
Russian nuclear-capable bomber aircraft fly to Venezuela, angering US
Two Russian strategic bomber aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons have landed in ally Venezuela, a show of support for Venezuela’s socialist government that has infuriated Washington.
Julian King: Russian info war preceded Ukrainian ship seizures
Russia launched a year-long fake news campaign about Kiev's and NATO's plans for the Azov Sea before seizing three Ukrainian ships and their crew there, EU security commissioner Julian King alleged Monday (10 December).
A US-Russia-China-EU summit? EU is interested
The EU is taking seriously the idea expressed recently by the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev for holding a four-way summit to defuse global tensions, an EU diplomat told an audience on Tuesday (4 December).
Save US-Russia nuclear treaty, EU urges
EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini on Wednesday (5 December) urged Russia and the US to save a Cold War arms control treaty after Washington issued a 60-day ultimatum to Moscow.