Eastern-Central Europe
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.
One Year After Invasion in Ukraine: Chancellor Scholz Maintains Germany’s Initiative
Four days ago, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany addressed the German Parliament, just over a year after delivering his famous "Zeitenwende" speech.
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.
Looting of Kherson by Russian Troops Results in Cultural Losses
Russian troops are actively looting Kherson, in the south of Ukraine, amidst continued fighting over the city.
Oligarch Renounces Russian Citizenship
Oleg Tinkov, the founder of Moscow-based Tinkoff Bank, renounced his Russian citizenship.
Ukrainian Authorities Announce Longer Power Cuts After Continued Air Strikes
Ukrainian authorities warned Kyiv residents on Saturday, Oct. 29, of longer anticipated power cuts – lasting more than four hours – due to prolonged Russian air attacks on energy infrastructure.
Tensions Escalate on the Border between Russia and Poland in Kaliningrad
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, the general secretary of the ruling Law and Justice Party in Poland said that they were considering building a structure along its border with Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave along the Baltic Sea.
Russian Court Orders Arrest of Dissident Journalist Marina Ovsyannikova
A Russian court ordered the official arrest of former Channel One television journalist Marina Ovsyannikova on Thursday, long after she held up a sign during the March 14 broadcast of the news channel to protest Putin’s war, according to Interfax news agency.
Romania Strengthens its Energy Production With Joint Black Sea Project
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, the Romanian national gas producer Romgaz signed an agreement with the Azerbaijani state gas firm SOCAR to build multiple liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in the Black Sea.
EU’s Aid to Poland Jeopardized
Political tensions between Warsaw and Brussels increased this week as financial aid funds for Poland became threatened.