Middle East instability disrupts Russian transit hubs to Asia

The escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran has inflicted significant financial damage on Russia’s tourism sector. Since the start of hostilities, Russian tour operators have incurred losses totaling approximately 7 billion rubles (€70.5 million), according to Dmitry Gorin, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST).

Putin Blocking Act: US lawmakers target Orban allies over Ukraine

U.S. senators are moving to introduce a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting high-ranking Hungarian officials. The legislation focuses on those responsible for maintaining Russian energy imports and stalling European financial assistance to Ukraine.

Kyiv warns of emergency money printing to fund war effort

Ukraine risks exhausting its financial reserves for the war against Russia within the next two months. A convergence of geopolitical factors now threatens tens of billions of euros in critical international assistance.

Military returns to Belgian streets as nation marks 2016 attacks

The Belgian federal government has redeployed armed military patrols to protect places of worship and Jewish community institutions. The move comes as the country, which hosts the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, faces a surge in security concerns.

Kremlin eyes windfall taxes as war costs deplete Russian budget

President Vladimir Putin has urged Russian oligarchs to contribute to the country’s straining defense budget to sustain the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to reports cited by The Guardian.

US President delays Iran infrastructure attacks by 10 days

President Donald Trump announced late Thursday a 10-day extension of the current suspension of military strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Severe snowstorms and 140km/h winds disrupt travel across Europe

Authorities have issued red weather warnings across several European countries as an Arctic blast brings heavy snow, sleet, and violent winds to the continent. The highest alert levels are currently in effect for Croatia, Greece, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Italy.

Brussels delays €16B loan for Hungary over Orbán’s Ukraine veto

The European Commission has delayed the approval of a €16 billion credit plan for Hungary, which is part of the SAFE defense program. This postponement comes in response to the tensions arising from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto on financial support for Ukraine, as reported by diplomatic sources in the Polish press.

Moscow court expands censorship laws to cover 2008 Georgia war

A Moscow court sentenced TV Rain journalist Valeria Kichigina to 10 years in prison in absentia on Tuesday for social media posts criticizing the Russian military.

Europe’s energy paradox: More green power, same price volatility

The European Commission has requested that all 27 member states reduce gas reserves ahead of next winter. This move comes despite a significant drop in consumption since 2022.

Colombia military Hercules crash: 71 rescued near Peru border

A Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane carrying over 120 personnel crashed during takeoff on Monday in the country's southern Amazon region.

Gold sales signal Russia's dwindling options amid sanctions

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has begun selling physical gold from its sovereign reserves for the first time in nearly a quarter-century. The move aims to cover a federal budget deficit that has ballooned to over 18.5 trillion rubles (approx. €182.4 billion) since 2022.